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clutch
1[ kluhch ]
verb (used with object)
- to seize with or as with the hands or claws; snatch:
The bird swooped down and clutched its prey with its claws.
- to grip or hold tightly or firmly:
She clutched the child's hand as they crossed the street.
- Slang. to spellbind; grip (a person) emotionally; hold the attention, or interest of:
Garbo movies really clutch me.
verb (used without object)
- to try to seize or grasp (usually followed by at ):
He clutched at the fleeing child. She clutched at the opportunity.
- Slang. to become tense with fright; panic (sometimes followed by up ):
I clutched up on the math exam.
- to operate the clutch in a vehicle.
noun
- the hand, claw, etc., when grasping.
- Usually clutches. power of disposal or control; mastery:
She fell into the clutches of the enemy.
- the act of clutching; a snatch or grasp.
- a tight grip or hold.
- a device for gripping something.
- Automotive, Machinery.
- a mechanism for readily engaging or disengaging a shaft with or from another shaft or rotating part. Compare coupling ( def 2a ).
- a control, as a pedal, for operating this mechanism.
- Sports. an extremely important or crucial moment of a game:
He was famous for his coolness in pitching in the clutch.
- any critical position or situation; emergency:
She kept complete control in the clutch.
- Also called clutch bag,. a small purse that can be carried in the hand and usually has no handle or strap.
adjective
- done or accomplished in a critical situation: Without a couple of clutch heals, we would've had a party wipe in that dungeon.
He sank a clutch shot that won the basketball game.
Without a couple of clutch heals, we would've had a party wipe in that dungeon.
- dependable in crucial situations:
a clutch player.
- accomplished at the last possible moment or against the odds:
Phew! That was a clutch win!
- of or relating to a person, especially a player, who delivers under difficult conditions or at a crucial moment:
Their quarterback is showing his clutch gene this season.
- (of a coat) without fasteners; held closed in front by one's hand or arm.
interjection
- (used to celebrate something that is found or is available fortuitously, at just the right moment):
When my phone died, the guy at the next table loaned me his charger. Clutch!
clutch
2[ kluhch ]
noun
- a hatch of eggs; the number of eggs produced or incubated at one time.
- a brood of chickens.
- a number of similar individuals:
a clutch of books; a whole clutch of dancers.
verb (used with object)
- to hatch (chickens).
clutch
1/ klʌtʃ /
verb
- tr to seize with or as if with hands or claws
- tr to grasp or hold firmly
- intrusually foll byat to attempt to get hold or possession (of)
noun
- a device that enables two revolving shafts to be joined or disconnected as required, esp one that transmits the drive from the engine to the gearbox in a vehicle
- a device for holding fast
- a firm grasp
- a hand, claw, or talon in the act of clutching
in the clutches of a bear
- often plural power or control
in the clutches of the Mafia
- Also calledclutch bag a handbag without handles
clutch
2/ klʌtʃ /
noun
- a hatch of eggs laid by a particular bird or laid in a single nest
- a brood of chickens
- informal.a group, bunch, or cluster
verb
- tr to hatch (chickens)
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Other Words From
- clutch·ing·ly adverb
- clutch·y adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of clutch1
Origin of clutch2
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Word History and Origins
Origin of clutch1
Origin of clutch2
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Idioms and Phrases
- come in clutch, to deliver or perform what is needed at just the right time or at the last possible moment:
I missed the bus, which would've made me late for my interview, but a neighbor came in clutch and gave me a ride.
- in the clutch, in a crucial, must-win, make-or-break moment:
You need subs who can come off the bench and score in the clutch.
More idioms and phrases containing clutch
see grasp (clutch) at straws .Discover More
Synonym Study
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Example Sentences
Who knew that a competition where you clutch the hand of another man and lock eyes across a table could be this damn gay.
Available at La Boîte SHOLDIT Clutch Wrap Purse, $70 We can all agree the dorky passport holders and money bags have got to go.
At Oscar after-parties, movie stars clutch In-N-Out burgers in one hand and gilded trophies in the other.
The Kentucky freshman sunk his third game-winning three-pointer in a row, launching fresh claims about his ‘clutch gene.’
Take those two years away, and his lifetime clutch rating is essentially zero.
While he stood, apparently quiescent, in the clutch of his adversary, he still held his hand on his sword.
It is probable he wished to provide written proof of a plea that he was an unwilling agent in the clutch of a mutinous army.
Black Hood let the clutch slap in and the roadster bounded back onto the tarvia drive.
A quick impulse that was somewhat spasmodic impelled her fingers to close in a sort of clutch upon his hand.
And the nightmare clutch laid hold upon his heart with giant pincers.
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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