snapper-up

A snapper-up quickly grabs the last fresh loaf from the bakery shelf.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who seizes or takes something quickly: "snapper-up" refers to someone who eagerly and often opportunistically grabs or acquires something, especially before others have a chance.
   • An opportunist: It describes a person who takes advantage of circumstances for their own gain, often in a swift or greedy manner.

Usage Examples

• (A person who seizes small, overlooked items quickly.)
• (An opportunist who acquires valuable assets swiftly.)

Advanced Usage

• "snapper-up of unconsidered trifles": A fixed phrase from Shakespeare's , meaning someone who eagerly collects or takes trivial or neglected things.
  • The antique dealer was a snapper-up of unconsidered trifles, finding value in what others discarded. (A collector of overlooked, minor items.)

Variants and Related Words

• Snap up (phrasal verb): to buy or take something quickly and eagerly.

  • She snapped up the last ticket to the concert. (She bought it immediately and eagerly.)

• Snapper (n): a person who snaps something (e.g., a photographer or a fish); also a type of fish.

  • The snapper on the pier caught a large fish. (A person who uses a snap-line or fishing rod.)

Synonyms

• Opportunist: a person who takes advantage of opportunities as they arise, often without regard for others.
• Grabbler: someone who seizes things greedily or hastily.
• Collector: a person who gathers items, though this is less aggressive than "snapper-up."

Phrasal Verbs

• Snap up: to acquire something quickly and eagerly.
  • Tickets were snapped up within minutes of going on sale. (They were bought very quickly.)

Related Idioms

• Snap at the chance: to eagerly accept an opportunity.

  • He snapped at the chance to study abroad. (He accepted the opportunity immediately and enthusiastically.)

• Snap someone up: to hire or recruit someone quickly.

  • The company snapped her up as soon as she graduated. (They hired her without delay.)