Clutch Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)
Britannica Dictionary definition of CLUTCH
1
[+ object]
:
to hold onto (someone or something) tightly with your hand
- I had to clutch the counter to keep from falling.
- The child clutched her mother's hand firmly.
- He had a book clutched in his hand.
2
[no object]
:
to try to hold onto someone or something by reaching with your hand
— usually + at
- She clutched at his shoulder.
clutch at straws
— see straw
Britannica Dictionary definition of CLUTCH
[count]
1
:
the act of holding or gripping something or someone tightly
— usually plural
- She struggled to escape his clutches. [=he was holding her and she struggled to get away]
- The hawk had the mouse in its clutches. [=in its claws]
— often used figuratively
- They were powerless to oppose them. He had them in his clutches. [=he had control of them]
2
a
:
a pedal that is pressed to change gears in a vehicle
- I have to learn how to let the clutch out smoothly.
— see picture at car
b
:
the part of a vehicle that is controlled by a clutch
- The car needs a new clutch.
:
in a very important or critical situation especially during a sports competition
- He is known for his ability to come through in the clutch.
- She scored a basket in the clutch.
Britannica Dictionary definition of CLUTCH
[more clutch; most clutch]
US
1
always used before a noun
:
happening during a very important or critical time especially in a sports competition
- She scored a clutch basket.
- a clutch hit/play/goal
- a clutch performance/situation
2
:
able to perform well in a very important or critical situation especially in a sports competition
- He is a clutch hitter/player. = He is clutch.
Britannica Dictionary definition of CLUTCH
[count]
1
a
:
a group of eggs that is laid by a bird at one time
- a clutch of eggs
b
:
a group of young birds produced by a single group of eggs
- a clutch of chicks
2
:
a small group of things or people
- a clutch of buildings/onlookers