clash
/klæʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /klæʃ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈklash/ (ame, mw)
clash — verb
- clashpresent simple I / you / we / they
- clashes3rd person singular
- clashing-ing form
- clashedpast simple
1. to get into a physical fight or a loud argument with another person or group, of
to get into a physical fight or a loud argument with another person or group, often because of a serious disagreement.
The two groups of fans clashed outside the stadium after the final whistle.
clash + with + group; location after event
Protesters clashed with police in the city centre late last night.
clash + with + authority figure
Ravi and his brother clashed over who should inherit their father's old guitar.
Neighbours clashed with the construction company over the noise from the building site.
文法句型
clash + with + somebody
clash + over + something
用法筆記
The subject is typically two or more people or groups; a 'clash' is more sudden and violent than a simple argument. Often used with 'with' to name the opponent and 'over' to state the reason.
常見錯誤
2. to be so strongly opposed to each other that two opinions, beliefs, statements,
to be so strongly opposed to each other that two opinions, beliefs, statements, or qualities cannot both be true or exist together.
Nadia's scientific beliefs clashed with the traditional teachings of her community.
beliefs clash + with + opposing system
The witness's statement clashed sharply with the evidence found at the scene.
statement + clash + with + evidence
Leila's cheerful personality clashed with the strict, silent atmosphere of the office.
Noa's belief in renewable energy clashed with his uncle's reliance on the family coal business.
- conflict
broader; can be noun or verb; slightly more formal
- contradict
specifically about statements or evidence being opposite
- differ
milder; just means not the same, not necessarily opposed
文法句型
clash + with + something
opinions/views/ideas + clash
用法筆記
Subject is always two abstract things (opinions, statements, qualities, personalities) — never two people fighting physically. Use sense 1 for people fighting. Often takes 'with' to introduce the second item.
常見錯誤
3. to compete against another person or team in a sports match or race, usually in
to compete against another person or team in a sports match or race, usually in a serious and intense way.
Brazil will clash with Germany in the World Cup semi-final next Tuesday.
team + clash with + opponent; sports event
The two top-ranked tennis players clashed in a thrilling final at Wimbledon.
players clash in + event
Local rivals Osaka and Tokyo clashed on the rugby pitch for the championship title.
The two chess grandmasters will clash in a world championship match next month.
文法句型
clash + with + opponent
teams clash
用法筆記
Common in sports journalism to describe a highly anticipated or intense match. Unlike sense 1, there is no implication of violence or anger — just strong competition.
常見錯誤
4. to look unpleasant or wrong when placed together, especially referring to colour
to look unpleasant or wrong when placed together, especially referring to colours or design styles that do not combine well visually.
Aiko's bright orange scarf clashed horribly with the purple walls of the café.
colour + clash with + colour
The modern glass table clashed with the antique wooden furniture in the living room.
style + clash with + style
Rashida loved her pink trainers, but they clashed with her school uniform.
Kwame chose a grey shirt because his stylist told him the green one clashed with his skin tone.
- conflict
broader; works for colours but also for many other things
- not go with
everyday spoken English: 'that shirt doesn't go with those trousers'
文法句型
colours/s + clash + with + colour/s
pattern + clash
用法筆記
Almost always used for colours, patterns, or design styles. The verb is not used in continuous forms (we don't say 'is clashing'). Usually followed by 'with' to name the other element.
常見錯誤
5. to be scheduled for the same time as another event, causing a problem for people
to be scheduled for the same time as another event, causing a problem for people who want to attend or take part in both.
The board meeting clashed with the project deadline, so Tomás could not attend both.
event + clash with + event
The two concerts clashed, forcing fans to choose between their favourite bands.
events clash; consequence stated
Yara was upset because her piano exam clashed with her best friend's wedding.
The wedding reception clashed with the national holiday, so many guests could not get a hotel room.
文法句型
events clash
schedules clash
用法筆記
British English primarily. In American English, 'conflict' is more common for scheduling overlaps. The verb is not used in continuous forms. Often followed by 'with' to name the other event.
常見錯誤
6. to make or cause a loud, harsh ringing sound like pieces of metal being struck t
to make or cause a loud, harsh ringing sound like pieces of metal being struck together.
The swords clashed loudly as the two knights fought in the courtyard.
metal objects clash (intransitive)
The cook clashed the metal pots together to get everyone's attention in the kitchen.
transitive use: clashed + object + together
Every morning the old pipes in the wall clashed when the heating came on.
When the train stopped suddenly, the metal luggage racks clashed noisily above the passengers.
文法句型
something clashes
clash + object + against + object
用法筆記
This sense can be intransitive (metal objects clash) or transitive (someone clashes objects together). The sound is typically sharp, ringing, and metallic — not a soft or muffled sound.
常見錯誤
clash — noun
- clashsingular
- clashesplural
1. a short physical fight or a loud angry argument between two people or groups.
a short physical fight or a loud angry argument between two people or groups.
A violent clash broke out between rival gangs in the market square.
clash + between + groups
The senator had a heated clash with a journalist during the live interview.
clash + with + person
Three people were injured in the clash between protesters and security guards.
Witnesses reported a bloody clash between rival motorcycle gangs at the petrol station.
- fight
more general; can be planned or unplanned
- confrontation
more formal; implies direct opposition
- skirmish
a small, brief fight, often between military groups
- truce
an agreement to stop fighting
用法筆記
A 'clash' is more sudden and aggressive than an 'argument' but shorter than a 'war' or 'battle'. Often used in news reports about protests, sports fans, or political conflicts.
常見錯誤
2. a condition where two opinions, ideas, interests, or cultures stand in such stro
a condition where two opinions, ideas, interests, or cultures stand in such strong opposition to one another that they cannot comfortably co-exist.
There was a clash of cultures when the company expanded into the Middle East.
clash of + abstract noun
The clash between Diego's dream of travelling and his father's plan for the family restaurant soured every dinner at home.
clash between + dream/practical plan; personal conflict with consequence
The new policy created a clash of interests between shareholders and the board.
The clash between modern architecture and the city's historic skyline divided public opinion.
文法句型
clash + between + opinions/values
clash + of + interests/cultures
用法筆記
Unlike noun sense 1, this sense does NOT involve physical fighting or shouting — it is about abstract opposition. Commonly used in set phrases: 'clash of cultures', 'clash of interests', 'clash of personalities'.
常見錯誤
3. a sports match or competition between two strong opponents, especially one that
a sports match or competition between two strong opponents, especially one that people are excited to watch.
Tomorrow's clash between the two unbeaten teams is already sold out.
clash + between + teams; high anticipation
The heavyweight boxing clash drew millions of viewers around the world.
boxing/sports clash + drew + audience
Fans travelled from across the country to watch the clash at the national stadium.
The quarter-final clash between Japan and Argentina kept fans on the edge of their seats.
用法筆記
Very common in sports headlines and commentary. The word suggests a high-stakes, exciting contest between evenly matched opponents. Less common for friendly or low-profile matches.
常見錯誤
4. an unpleasant visual effect caused by two or more colours or design styles that
an unpleasant visual effect caused by two or more colours or design styles that do not go well together.
The clash between her red lipstick and orange dress was hard to ignore.
clash between + colour items
Interior designers try to avoid a clash of patterns in the same room.
clash of + patterns; professional context
The bold yellow wallpaper created a terrible clash with the blue carpet.
Mira's outfit was a deliberate clash of bright neon colours that somehow looked artistic.
文法句型
clash + between + colours/styles
用法筆記
Less common than the verb sense; mostly used in discussions about fashion, interior design, and art. Often described with adjectives like 'terrible', 'awful', or 'unfortunate'.
常見錯誤
5. an inconvenient situation in which two events or activities are scheduled for th
an inconvenient situation in which two events or activities are scheduled for the same time.
There was a clash between the history lecture and the chemistry lab, so Wen had to skip one.
clash between + two events; consequence
The clash in the exam timetable meant that Ines had two papers on the same morning.
clash in + schedule/timetable
A schedule clash forced the team to move their training session to Thursday evening.
Priya found a calendar clash: her yoga class and the parent meeting were at the same hour.
文法句型
clash + between + events
clash + in + schedule
用法筆記
British English; American speakers usually say 'conflict' instead. The word is countable — you can have 'a clash' or 'several clashes' in your schedule.
常見錯誤
6. a loud, harsh ringing sound like metal objects being struck together.
a loud, harsh ringing sound like metal objects being struck together.
The clash of cymbals marked the dramatic start of the orchestra's performance.
clash of + musical instrument
A loud clash came from the kitchen when Sven dropped the stack of baking trays.
loud clash + came from + location
The blacksmith's hammer made a ringing clash against the iron on the anvil.
The clash of the heavy iron gate closing echoed through the empty corridor.
用法筆記
Can describe the sound of cymbals, swords, pots, tools, or any metal objects. The noun form often appears with 'of' to name the source of the sound: 'the clash of swords', 'the clash of cymbals'.