snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

Etymology
The first recorded use of the phrase discovered to date is an article criticizing Representative James Seddon of Virginia for claiming that a regiment in the Mexican-American war had "snatched victory from the jaws of defeat."

Verb

 * 1)  To suddenly win a contest when it appears that loss is a foregone conclusion, to succeed in an endeavor through reversal of fortune, skill, effort, or good judgment.
 * 2) * 2010, Liam Maloney, "Sligo snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat," Sligo Weekender (Sligo, Ireland). 16 February.

Translations

 * Dutch: de overwinning voor de poorten van de hel wegslepen
 * Vietnamese: dành lấy thắng lợi từ thế thất bại