grip
gb/ɡɹˈɪp/ us/ɡɹˈɪp/
B1
English
~ 7300
szorít, kapaszkodik, markol, szorítás, fogás, átlát, kézben tart, rálátás, leköt, lebilincsel, magával ragad, tapadás, grip
VERB
B1
1
Usage pattern:
to grip [something] (tightly)
She gripped the steering wheel as the car skidded on the ice.
Erősen szorította a kormányt, amikor az autó megcsúszott a jégen.
He gripped my arm so hard that it left a mark.
Olyan erősen szorította a karomat, hogy nyoma maradt.
The child gripped her mother’s hand while crossing the street.
He gripped the edge of the table to stop himself from falling.
The climber gripped the rock face with his bare hands.
Learner examples
Please grip the rail when you go down the steps.
Kérlek, kapaszkodj a korlátba, amikor lemész a lépcsőn.
He grips the bat with both hands.
Két kézzel markolja az ütőt.
The boy gripped his bag when he saw the crowd.
I gripped the chair because I felt sick.
She grips my hand when she is afraid.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "grip" with "grab". "Grab" usually means to take something quickly, often suddenly, while "grip" focuses on holding it firmly once you have it.
Meaning
to hold something tightly
Collocations
grip the handle
|grip the edge
|grip the steering wheel
|grip the rail
|grip it tightly
|grip with both hands
Synonyms
clutch (often suggests urgency, fear, or emotion in the way something is held)
Antonyms
release (means to stop holding something, letting it go)
Themes
daily life
|movement
|safety
|daily_life
|body
|core_vocabulary
Definition
to hold something very firmly in your hand
To take and keep a very firm hold of something, usually with the hand or fingers.
NOUN
B1
2
Usage pattern:
have/lose/get a grip on [something]
Her grip on the rope loosened, and she slipped a little.
Lazult a szorítása a kötélen, és egy kicsit lejjebb csúszott.
He tightened his grip on the suitcase as the train moved.
Szorosabbra fogta a bőröndöt, amikor a vonat megmozdult.
The jar was stuck, so he took a stronger grip on the lid.
I felt his grip on my hand relax as he fell asleep.
The climber’s grip failed when the rock broke away.
Learner examples
My grip on the wet glass was not strong.
Nem volt elég biztos a fogásom a nedves poháron.
She has a very strong grip for such a small person.
A kis termetéhez képest nagyon erős a szorítása.
He lost his grip and dropped the plate.
Take a better grip on the handle.
The baby’s grip on my finger was very tight.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say "take a grip of" instead of the more natural "get a grip on" or "take a grip on" in modern English.
Meaning
a firm physical hold
Collocations
lose your grip
|get a good grip
|keep a tight grip
|have a firm grip
|slip from your grip
|maintain your grip
Synonyms
hold (a very general word; does not always suggest the firmness or security that "grip" suggests)
Antonyms
release (refers to letting go of something that was being held)
Themes
daily life
|movement
|safety
|daily_life
|body
|core_vocabulary
Definition
a strong hold on something with your hand
A firm, secure hold on something, especially with the hand or fingers.
NOUN
B2
3
Usage pattern:
have/get/keep/lose a grip on [something]
The manager finally has a solid grip on the project’s finances.
A menedzser végre biztosan kézben tartja a projekt pénzügyeit.
You need to get a better grip on basic grammar before moving to advanced topics.
Jobban át kell látnod az alapvető nyelvtant, mielőtt haladó témákra térsz át.
After the shock, it took him a while to regain his grip on his emotions.
She seems to be losing her grip on reality.
The course gave me a good grip on how the system works.
Learner examples
I don’t have a good grip on this topic yet.
Még nem látom át jól ezt a témát.
The teacher helped me get a grip on the new ideas.
A tanár segített, hogy átlássam az új fogalmakat.
He needs to get a grip on his spending.
She has a strong grip on the company’s problems.
After some rest, he got his grip on himself again.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "grip" here as a verb, saying "I grip this subject" instead of "I have a good grip on this subject." In this sense, "grip" is normally a noun.
Meaning
understanding or control of something
Collocations
have a good grip on
|get a grip on
|keep a grip on
|lose your grip on reality
|a firm grip on the situation
|a basic grip of the subject
Synonyms
command (often suggests high skill or authority, especially in formal or professional contexts)
Antonyms
confusion (describes a state of not understanding, which contrasts with having a good grip)
Themes
thinking
|emotions
|work
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
how well you understand or control something, or how calm and in control you are
A clear understanding of something or an effective level of control over a situation, activity, or emotions.
VERB
B2
4
Usage pattern:
to grip [someone] / to grip [someone’s] imagination/attention
The film grips you from the very first scene.
A film már az első jelenettől magával ragadja a nézőt.
The story gripped me so much that I finished the book in one day.
A történet annyira magával ragadott, hogy egy nap alatt befejeztem a könyvet.
The country was gripped by the dramatic rescue operation.
A sudden panic gripped the crowd when the lights went out.
The play gripped the audience right up to the final line.
Learner examples
The movie gripped me from start to finish.
A film az elejétől a végéig magával ragadott.
His speech gripped the crowd.
A beszéde magával ragadta a tömeget.
The news story gripped the whole city.
The novel gripped her imagination.
A strong fear gripped him as he entered the dark room.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse "interesting" and not recognize that "grip" is often used for books, films, and events that are very exciting or emotional, not just a little interesting.
Meaning
to strongly hold attention
Collocations
grip the audience
|grip the reader
|grip the nation
|grip the imagination
|grip with fear
|grip from beginning to end
Synonyms
captivate (sounds slightly more formal and often suggests charm or beauty)
Antonyms
bore (means to make someone feel uninterested, the opposite of gripping them)
Themes
media
|emotions
|art
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
to make someone feel very interested or excited so that they cannot stop watching, reading, or listening
To strongly capture and hold someone’s attention or emotions, often through interest, suspense, or intensity.
NOUN
B2
5
Usage pattern:
good/better/no grip on [surface]
These shoes have excellent grip on wet ground.
Ezeknek a cipőknek kiváló a tapadása nedves talajon.
Winter tires provide better grip on snow and ice.
A téli gumik jobb tapadást biztosítanak havon és jégen.
The new phone case has a rough surface for extra grip.
The floor was so smooth that it offered almost no grip.
Climbers need chalk on their hands to improve their grip on the rock.
Learner examples
These boots give me good grip on the ice.
Ezek a csizmák jó tapadást biztosítanak a jégen.
The car lost its grip on the road.
Az autó elvesztette a tapadását az úton.
This pen has rubber for better grip.
My old shoes have no grip now.
We need tires with more grip in the rain.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that "grip" can refer not only to the act of holding but also to the material or pattern that prevents slipping.
Meaning
surface that stops slipping
Collocations
good grip
|better grip
|improved grip
|strong grip on the road
|rubber grip
|lose grip on the surface
Synonyms
traction (more technical and often used for vehicles, tires, or medical contexts)
Antonyms
slipperiness (describes a surface that makes it hard to hold or stand on, opposite of having grip)
Themes
technology
|sports
|transport
|daily_life
Definition
the way a surface or material helps you hold something or stops it from sliding
The surface quality, pattern, or material of an object that helps it be held securely or stay firmly on a surface without slipping.
NOUN
C1
TECHNICAL
6
grip
C2
Usage pattern:
work as a grip on [a film/set]
He started his career in the film industry as a grip.
Filmes pályafutását gripként kezdte.
The director asked the grip to move the camera track closer.
A rendező megkérte a gripet, hogy helyezze közelebb a kamerasínt.
As a key grip, she coordinates all the camera support equipment on set.
They hired several extra grips for the action scenes.
The dolly grip carefully pushed the camera along the track.
Learner examples
He works as a grip on movies.
Gripként dolgozik filmforgatásokon.
The grip set up the camera for the next scene.
A grip előkészítette a kamerát a következő jelenethez.
They need more grips for this big film.
She became a grip after film school.
The director spoke to the grip about the shot.
Common mistake:
Learners may think "grip" here still means "hold". In the film world, a grip is a specific job title, not an action.
Meaning
film crew equipment worker
Collocations
key grip
|dolly grip
|work as a grip
|hire a grip
|on-set grip
|experienced grip
Synonyms
technician (a more general word; does not specify work with cameras and rigs)
Antonyms
actor (a contrasting role on a film set, in front of the camera instead of behind it)
Themes
media
|jobs
|arts_entertainment
|work
Definition
a person on a film or TV team who moves and sets up cameras and heavy equipment
A member of a film or television crew responsible for setting up, supporting, and moving cameras and related equipment.
Grammar
Dictionary form
grip
IPA
GB/ɡɹˈɪp/
US/ɡɹˈɪp/
Syllables & stress
grip (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (grip)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: grip
- Plural: grip, grips
Verb
- Base: grip
- 3rd Person Singular: grips
- Present Participle: gripping
- Past: gripped
Word family
Forms
grips
noun
gripping
verb
gripped
verb
Related words
gripper
noun
Advanced or less common
grippy
adjective
Highlights
- Irregular present participle: gripping Verb
- Irregular past: gripped Verb
Expressions
come to grips with [something]
1/kˈʌm tə ɡɹˈɪps wˈɪθ sˈʌmθɪŋ/
idiom
begin to deal with seriously
to start to understand and deal with a difficult problem, situation, or feeling
Examples
- We need to come to grips with climate change.
- He is still coming to grips with his father’s death.
- The company must come to grips with its falling sales.
get a grip
1/ɡˈɛt ə ɡɹˈɪp/
idiom
informal
control your emotions or behavior
to start to control your feelings or actions, especially when you are upset or behaving badly
Examples
- You need to get a grip before you say something you’ll regret.
- He told himself to get a grip and focus on the exam.
- She finally got a grip and stopped shouting at everyone.
get a grip on [something]
1/ɡˈɛt ə ɡɹˈɪp ˈɔn sˈʌmθɪŋ/
idiom
begin to understand or control
to begin to understand something clearly or to start to control a problem or situation
Examples
- It took me a while to get a grip on the new software.
- The government must get a grip on rising prices.
- Once she got a grip on the basics, the rest was easy.
get a grip on yourself
1/ɡˈɛt ə ɡɹˈɪp ˈɔn jʊɹsˈɛlf/
idiom
informal
make yourself calm and controlled
to tell yourself (or someone) to stop being very emotional or silly and to behave more calmly and sensibly
Examples
- Get a grip on yourself and stop panicking.
- She took a deep breath to get a grip on herself before speaking.
- You have to get a grip on yourself if you want people to listen.
get to grips with [something]
1/ɡˈɛt tə ɡɹˈɪps wˈɪθ sˈʌmθɪŋ/
idiom
start to handle effectively
to begin to understand or deal with something difficult in an effective way
Examples
- I’m still getting to grips with the new software.
- Students need time to get to grips with the course content.
- The team is finally getting to grips with the new system.
have a grip on [something]
1/hˈæv ə ɡɹˈɪp ˈɔn sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
have understanding or control
to understand something well or to control a situation well
Examples
- She really has a grip on the company’s finances.
- I don’t feel like I have a grip on this topic yet.
- The coach seems to have a firm grip on the team’s problems.
in the grip of [something]
1/ˈɪn ðə ɡɹˈɪp əv sˈʌmθɪŋ/
idiom
strongly affected or controlled by
to be strongly controlled or affected by something bad or powerful, like fear, cold, or a crisis
Examples
- The country is in the grip of an economic crisis.
- She was in the grip of a terrible fear.
- The city was in the grip of a heatwave.
keep a tight grip on [something]
1/kˈip ə tˈaɪt ɡɹˈɪp ˈɔn sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
maintain very strong control
to continue to control something very strongly, or to hold something very firmly
Examples
- The government keeps a tight grip on the media.
- Keep a tight grip on your bag in crowded places.
- She kept a tight grip on the project budget.
loosen your grip (on [something])
1/lˈusən jˈʊɹ ɡɹˈɪp ˈɔn sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
reduce firmness or control
to hold something less tightly, or to control something less strictly
Examples
- He loosened his grip on the rope to relax his hands.
- The government is loosening its grip on the economy.
- She slowly loosened her grip on the situation and delegated more.
lose your grip
1/lˈuz jˈʊɹ ɡɹˈɪp/
idiom
lose control or stability
to stop being able to control things well, or to seem to be losing clear or normal thinking
Examples
- Some investors think the company’s leadership is losing its grip.
- He worried that his grandfather was starting to lose his grip.
- After the scandal, she seemed to lose her grip on the team.
lose your grip on reality
1/lˈuz jˈʊɹ ɡɹˈɪp ˈɔn ɹiˈæləti/
idiom
lose contact with reality
to seem to stop understanding what is real or sensible, often because of stress or mental problems
Examples
- After months of isolation, he felt he was losing his grip on reality.
- Some people thought the leader had lost his grip on reality.
- The film shows a man slowly losing his grip on reality.
slip from your grip
1/slˈɪp fɹˈʌm jˈʊɹ ɡɹˈɪp/
fixed phrase
escape from hold or control
to move out of your hand after you were holding it, or to stop being under your control
Examples
- The ball slipped from his grip and rolled away.
- The situation slowly slipped from their grip.
- The knife almost slipped from her grip when it got wet.
take a firm grip (on [something])
1/tˈeɪk ə fˈɚm ɡɹˈɪp ˈɔn sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
begin holding or controlling firmly
to start to hold something very tightly, or to begin to control something strongly
Examples
- Take a firm grip on the rope before you climb.
- The new manager took a firm grip on the department.
- He took a firm grip of the handle and pulled.
tighten your grip (on [something])
1/tˈaɪtən jˈʊɹ ɡɹˈɪp ˈɔn sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
increase firmness or control
to hold something more firmly, or to control something more strictly
Examples
- He tightened his grip on her hand.
- The company tightened its grip on costs.
- The government is tightening its grip on the media.
with a death grip
1/wˈɪθ ə dˈɛθ ɡɹˈɪp/
idiom
informal
holding something extremely tightly
holding something so tightly that it is hard to remove it from your hand
Examples
- He held the railing with a death grip.
- The child clung to her mother’s hand with a death grip.
- She kept a death grip on her phone the whole time.