CLUTCH Meaning and
Definition
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Clutch is a versatile word with multiple meanings, functioning as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, clutch refers to a device used for gripping or holding objects tightly. For example, an automobile clutch is a mechanical device that connects and disconnects the engine from the transmission, allowing for gear changes. Similarly, a handbag clutch is a small, strapless purse that is typically held in the hand.
Clutch can also be used metaphorically to describe a state of urgency or the ability to perform under pressure. In this sense, it refers to a pivotal moment or a critical juncture where success hinges on one's skill or performance. For instance, an athlete may be praised for their ability to deliver in the clutch, meaning they perform exceptionally well in important situations.
As a verb, clutch means to grasp or hold tightly. It implies a firm and confident grip, often in a desperate or instinctive manner. For example, in a dangerous situation, one might clutch onto a railing or clutch a loved one's hand tightly.
Additionally, clutch can also indicate seizing or grasping at something quickly or eagerly. It can be used to describe a sudden gathering or collecting of items or information. For instance, one might clutch at straws to find a solution in a desperate attempt.
Overall, clutch encompasses various concepts such as gripping, holding tightly, critical moments, urgency, and quick gathering or seizing. The word's diverse meanings allow it to be applied to a wide range of contexts, both concrete and abstract.
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• A firm grasp or griping with the hands by tightening the fingers; a seizure; a grasp.
• To seize firmly with the hand; to gripe; to grasp.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CLUTCH *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CLUTCH
Etymology of CLUTCH
The word "clutch" has an interesting etymology. It originated in Middle English around the 14th century, derived from the Old English word "clucian", which means "to press or squeeze tightly". The Old English term itself is believed to have come from the Proto-Germanic "klukjaną", meaning "to clutch or clasp". This word shares its roots with the Middle Dutch word "klutsen" and the Old Norse word "klotsa", both meaning "to engage in a hand-to-hand struggle or fight". Over time, the meaning of "clutch" evolved to encompass not only physically grasping or gripping something tightly but also to describe the action of seizing or holding onto something in a figurative or metaphorical sense.
Idioms with the word CLUTCH
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clutch at sm or sth
The idiom "clutch at something" refers to desperately attempting to grasp or hold onto something, usually in a time of need or distress. It can be both literal, as in physically reaching out to catch or grab an object, or figurative, indicating a desperate attempt to find a solution or support in a difficult situation.
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clutch sm or sth to sth
The idiom "clutch (someone or something) to (something)" means to tightly hold onto or grip someone or something, usually out of fear, desperation, or to prevent them from escaping. The phrase often implies a sense of urgency or intense emotion.
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clutch (up)
The idiom "clutch (up)" typically means to experience a moment of panic, nervousness, or anxiety in a high-pressure situation, leading to a decline in performance or ability to think clearly. It is often used in contexts where someone fails to execute a task or skill due to overwhelming stress or pressure.
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grasp (or clutch or catch) at a straw (or straws)
The idiom "grasp (or clutch or catch) at a straw (or straws)" means to desperately seek any possible solution or hope, even if it is unlikely to be successful or realistic. It indicates a state of extreme desperation or vulnerability where one is willing to consider even the smallest chance of improvement or survival. The phrase originates from the image of a drowning person reaching out for a floating straw as a last effort to save themselves.
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clutch (one's)/the pearls
The idiom "clutch (one's)/the pearls" is a figurative expression that means to react with shock, distress, or horror in response to something scandalous, outrageous, or unexpected. It is often used humorously to highlight exaggerated or exaggeratedly prudish reactions.
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pearl-clutch
The idiom "pearl-clutch" refers to an exaggerated, prudish or shocked reaction to something deemed morally or socially unacceptable. It often implies clutching a string of pearls in a dramatic or exaggerated manner to display shock or disapproval.
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clutch at a straw
The idiom "clutch at a straw" means to desperately grasp at any small hope or possibility, despite it being unlikely to bring any significant relief or solution to a problem. It is derived from the image of a drowning person trying to grab hold of a floating straw as a last effort to save themselves, even though it is an ineffective means of survival.
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clutch at (someone or something)
The idiom "clutch at (someone or something)" means to grab or grasp someone or something tightly, often in a desperate or urgent manner. It typically implies a sense of desperation, an attempt to hold on to someone or something for support, assistance, or security.
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clutch (someone or something) to (something)
The idiom "clutch (someone or something) to (something)" means to hold onto someone or something tightly or securely in a state of desperation, fear, or intense emotion, which usually involves seeking comfort, protection, or reassurance. It implies a strong grip or grasp on the person or object, often as a means of seeking support or security in a difficult or overwhelming situation.
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clutch (or grasp or catch) at straws
The idiom "clutch (or grasp or catch) at straws" means to desperately search for any possible solution or hope, even if it is highly unlikely to succeed. It is derived from the image of a drowning person desperately grabbing at floating straws to try and stay afloat, as a last measure of hope. It implies that the person is so desperate that they are willing to try anything, no matter how unlikely or ineffective it may be.
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clutch at straws
The idiom "clutch at straws" means to grasp or hold onto any possible hope or solution, no matter how unlikely or desperate, when facing a difficult or desperate situation. It implies a state of desperation and reflects the act of clinging to thin, straw-like objects for support.
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a drowning man will clutch at a straw
The idiom "a drowning man will clutch at a straw" means that when someone is in a desperate situation or facing imminent failure, they will grasp onto any faint hope or possibility, no matter how unlikely, in order to try and save themselves. It emphasizes the human instinct to cling onto even the smallest chance of survival or success when things are going wrong.
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clutch/grasp at straws
The definition of the idiom "clutch/grasp at straws" is to make desperate or futile attempts to find a solution or hope in a hopeless situation. It refers to the act of reaching out for any available option, no matter how unlikely or weak it may be, in a last-ditch effort to avoid failure or disappointment.
Similar spelling words for CLUTCH
- couch,
- lurch,
- cloth cap,
- clothes,
- glitch,
- crutch,
- latch,
- gulch,
- Clutts,
- clutches,
- Cletus,
- catch,
- clitocybe.
Conjugate verb Clutch
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have clutched
you
would have clutched
he/she/it
would have clutched
we
would have clutched
they
would have clutched
I
would have clutch
you
would have clutch
he/she/it
would have clutch
we
would have clutch
they
would have clutch
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been clutching
you
would have been clutching
he/she/it
would have been clutching
we
would have been clutching
they
would have been clutching
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would clutch
you
would clutch
he/she/it
would clutch
we
would clutch
they
would clutch
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be clutching
you
would be clutching
he/she/it
would be clutching
we
would be clutching
they
would be clutching
FUTURE
I
will clutch
you
will clutch
he/she/it
will clutch
we
will clutch
they
will clutch
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be clutching
you
will be clutching
he/she/it
will be clutching
we
will be clutching
they
will be clutching
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have clutched
you
will have clutched
he/she/it
will have clutched
we
will have clutched
they
will have clutched
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been clutching
you
will have been clutching
he/she/it
will have been clutching
we
will have been clutching
they
will have been clutching
IMPERATIVE
you
clutch
we
let´s clutch
to clutch
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was clutching
you
were clutching
he/she/it
was clutching
we
were clutching
they
were clutching
PAST PARTICIPLE
clutched
PAST PERFECT
I
had clutched
you
had clutched
he/she/it
had clutched
we
had clutched
they
had clutched
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been clutching
you
had been clutching
he/she/it
had been clutching
we
had been clutching
they
had been clutching
PRESENT
I
clutch
you
clutch
he/she/it
clutches
we
clutch
they
clutch
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am clutching
you
are clutching
he/she/it
is clutching
we
are clutching
they
are clutching
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
clutching
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have clutched
you
have clutched
he/she/it
has clutched
we
have clutched
they
have clutched
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been clutching
you
have been clutching
he/she/it
has been clutching
we
have been clutching
they
have been clutching
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
clutch
SIMPLE PAST
I
clutched
you
clutched
he/she/it
clutched
we
clutched
they
clutched
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