clutch
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Base: clutch
- Plural: clutches
- Base: clutch
- 3rd Person Singular: clutches
- Present Participle: clutching
- Past: clutched
come through in the clutch
1Succeed under pressure
To do well when it is most important, especially at the last moment in a game or event.
- 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
1Release vehicle clutch quickly for speed
To quickly lift your foot off the car's clutch pedal so it moves forward fast.
- When the light turned green, he dropped the clutch and sped off.
- Dropping the clutch too fast can damage your car.
clutch at straws
1Try desperate measures without hope
To try anything, even if it will probably not work, because you are in trouble and have no other choice.
- 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
2Make hopeless attempts when desperate
To try anything to solve a problem, even if it will probably not work, because you are desperate.
- With no evidence left, the detective was clutching at straws.
- He tried every strange remedy, clutching at straws to cure his illness.