How Do You Spell CLUTCHING AT?

Pronunciation: [klˈʌt͡ʃɪŋ at] (IPA)

The phrase "clutching at" is often used to describe someone desperate or grasping for something. In IPA phonetic transcription, the spelling of "clutching at" would be /ˈklʌtʃɪŋ æt/. The "cl" sound is pronounced as a voiceless velar stop, the "u" is short and pronounced as the schwa sound, and the "ch" is a voiceless postalveolar affricate. The "i" is pronounced as a short vowel sound, and the "ng" is a velar nasal. The stress falls on the first syllable.

CLUTCHING AT Meaning and Definition

1. "Clutching at" is a figurative expression that encompasses the act of desperately trying to attain or hold on to something that is slipping away or becoming increasingly out of reach. This phrase typically refers to a situation where an individual or group attempts to save or salvage something by making desperate or futile efforts. It implies a sense of urgency and a last-ditch attempt to regain control, often motivated by fear, desperation, or a strong desire to prevent a negative outcome.

   The term "clutching at" can encompass both physical and metaphorical contexts. In a physical sense, it may involve grasping or tightly holding onto an object in an attempt to prevent it from falling or slipping away. Figuratively, it describes a similar action but relates to ideas, hopes, opportunities, or relationships. For instance, someone clutching at a failing relationship may desperately try to salvage it through various efforts, even if the prospects for success are minimal. Similarly, an athlete might be described as clutching at victory in the final moments of a game, making desperate attempts to turn the tide of events.

   Overall, "clutching at" epitomizes a state of anxiety, desperation, or determination in attempting to retain or attain something, all while acknowledging the increasing difficulty or probability of failure in achieving the desired outcome.

Common Misspellings for CLUTCHING AT

• xlutching at
• vlutching at
• flutching at
• dlutching at
• ckutching at
• cputching at
• coutching at
• clytching at
• clhtching at
• cljtching at
• clitching at
• cl8tching at
• cl7tching at
• clurching at
• clufching at
• clugching at
• cluyching at
• clu6ching at
• clu5ching at
• clutxhing at

Etymology of CLUTCHING AT

The word "clutching" has its origin in the Old English word "clyccan", which means "to grasp or seize with the hands". Over time, this word evolved into the Middle English "clucchen" and eventually transformed into the modern English "clutch".

The phrase "clutching at" is a combination of the word "clutch" and the preposition "at". In this context, "at" signifies an action directed towards something or someone. The phrase "clutching at" suggests the act of desperately grasping or trying to seize something, often indicating a sense of urgency or desperation.