clutch
gb/klˈʌt͡ʃ/ us/klˈʌt͡ʃ/
A2
English
~ 1400
szorongat, megragad, clutch táska, kuplung, tengelykapcsoló, döntő pillanat, kiélezett helyzet
VERB
B1
1
Usage pattern:
to clutch [something]
She clutched her purse as she walked through the dark street.
Szorongatta a kézitáskáját, miközben a sötét utcán ment.
He clutched the letter in his hand, unwilling to let go.
A kezében szorongatta a levelet, és nem akarta elengedni.
The child clutched his mother's leg when the dog barked.
She clutched the railing to keep from falling.
He clutched at the rope, trying to pull himself up.
Learner examples
I clutch my phone when I am on the bus.
A buszon a telefonomat szorongatom.
She clutched her bag in the busy market.
Szorongatta a táskáját a zsúfolt piacon.
The man clutched his hat in the wind.
He clutched the toy and smiled.
She clutched the chair when she stood up.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'clutch' with 'catch'; 'catch' means to grab something that is moving or thrown, while 'clutch' means to hold tightly.
Meaning
Hold something firmly
Collocations
clutch a bag
|clutch the steering wheel
|clutch at straws
|clutch her chest
|clutch a pillow
Synonyms
grip (Implies a firm, steady hold, not necessarily sudden or emotional.)
Antonyms
release (Means to let go of something being held.)
Themes
daily life
|body movement
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To hold something strongly and tightly, often because you are afraid or in pain.
To grasp or hold something tightly, often suddenly or with force.
NOUN
A2
2
clutch táska
B2
She carried a silver clutch to the party.
Egy ezüstszínű clutch táskát vitt magával a partira.
The clutch matched her shoes perfectly.
A clutch táska tökéletesen illett a cipőjéhez.
He bought her a designer clutch for her birthday.
She tucked her phone into her clutch.
The bride carried a white satin clutch.
Learner examples
She has a red clutch for the party.
Van egy piros clutch táskája a partira.
I bought a small clutch yesterday.
Tegnap vettem egy kis clutch táskát.
Her clutch is very pretty.
The clutch is on the table.
She likes to use a black clutch.
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'clutch' with 'wallet'; a wallet is for money and cards, while a clutch is larger and for personal items.
Meaning
Small strapless handbag
Collocations
evening clutch
|leather clutch
|carry a clutch
|designer clutch
Synonyms
purse (In American English, 'purse' can mean any handbag; 'clutch' specifically has no straps.)
Antonyms
backpack (A large bag with straps worn on the back, opposite in size and carrying style.)
Themes
fashion
|daily life
|clothing
|daily_life
Definition
A small bag for women without straps, carried in the hand.
A small handbag without handles or straps, designed to be carried in the hand.
NOUN
B1
TECHNICAL
3
kuplung
A2
He pressed the clutch before changing gears.
Sebességváltás előtt benyomta a kuplungot.
The mechanic said the clutch needed replacing.
A szerelő azt mondta, hogy ki kell cserélni a kuplungot.
Driving a manual car requires using the clutch smoothly.
The clutch pedal felt stiff.
She learned how to use the clutch in driving school.
Learner examples
Press the clutch before you change gears.
Sebességváltás előtt nyomd be a kuplungot.
The car needs a new clutch.
Az autónak új kuplungra van szüksége.
I use my left foot for the clutch.
The clutch is hard to press.
The mechanic fixed the clutch today.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'clutch' with 'gear'; the gear changes speed and torque, while the clutch connects or disconnects power.
Meaning
Engine-to-transmission device
Collocations
press the clutch
|clutch pedal
|manual clutch
|replace the clutch
Synonyms
coupling (A general term for a device connecting two parts, but not specific to vehicles.)
Antonyms
brake (A device used to stop motion, not connect power.)
Themes
technology
|transportation
Definition
A part of a car or other machine that joins or separates the engine from the wheels.
A mechanical device in vehicles that connects and disconnects the engine from the transmission system.
NOUN
B2
INFORMAL
4
He always performs well in the clutch.
A döntő pillanatokban mindig jól teljesít.
That was a real clutch play by the point guard.
Ez valóban döntő jelentőségű megmozdulás volt az irányítótól.
She hit a clutch home run in the ninth inning.
He's known as a clutch player who thrives under pressure.
In the clutch, she never fails.
Learner examples
He made a big shot in the clutch.
A döntő pillanatban dobott egy fontos kosarat.
She is good in the clutch.
A döntő pillanatokban jól teljesít.
They won because of his clutch play.
The team needs a clutch player now.
He plays well in the clutch.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'in the clutch' with 'in trouble'; here it means at an important moment, not necessarily difficulty itself.
Meaning
Critical moment in sports or tasks
Collocations
in the clutch
|clutch performance
|clutch player
Synonyms
crunch time (Informal term for an important deadline or moment, not limited to sports.)
Antonyms
routine moment (An ordinary, non-critical time without high stakes.)
Themes
sports
|competition
|core_vocabulary
Definition
An important time in a game or event when it is hard to win but you must do well.
A crucial moment in a game or situation where performance is most important.
Grammar
Dictionary form
clutch
IPA
GB/klˈʌt͡ʃ/
US/klˈʌt͡ʃ/
Syllables & stress
clutch (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (clutch)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: clutch
- Plural: clutches
Verb
- Base: clutch
- 3rd Person Singular: clutches
- Present Participle: clutching
- Past: clutched
Word family
Forms
clutches
noun
clutching
verb
clutched
verb
Expressions
come through in the clutch
1/kˈʌm θɹˈu ˈɪn ðə klˈʌt͡ʃ/
idiom
informal
Succeed under pressure
To do well when it is most important, especially at the last moment in a game or event.
Examples
- She really came through in the clutch, scoring the winning goal.
- He’s known for coming through in the clutch during big games.
drop the clutch
1/dɹˈɑp ðə klˈʌt͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
technical
Release vehicle clutch quickly for speed
To quickly lift your foot off the car's clutch pedal so it moves forward fast.
Examples
- When the light turned green, he dropped the clutch and sped off.
- Dropping the clutch too fast can damage your car.
clutch at straws
1/klˈʌt͡ʃ ˈæt stɹˈɔz/
idiom
Try desperate measures without hope
To try anything, even if it will probably not work, because you are in trouble and have no other choice.
Examples
- After losing his job, he was clutching at straws by applying for positions he wasn’t qualified for.
- They were clutching at straws, hoping for a miracle.
clutch at straws
2/klˈʌt͡ʃ ˈæt stɹˈɔz/
idiom
Make hopeless attempts when desperate
To try anything to solve a problem, even if it will probably not work, because you are desperate.
Examples
- With no evidence left, the detective was clutching at straws.
- He tried every strange remedy, clutching at straws to cure his illness.