clout
/klaʊt/ (bre, ipa) · /klaʊt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈklau̇t/ (ame, mw)
clout — verb
- cloutpresent simple I / you / we / they
- clouts3rd person singular
- clouting-ing form
- cloutedpast simple
1. to strike a person or thing with great force, usually with your hand or a heavy
to strike a person or thing with great force, usually with your hand or a heavy object
An angry neighbour clouted the thief on the head with a broom handle.
clout + on + body part (pattern for directed blows)
Grandpa said he would clout young Ben on the ear if he did not quiet down.
The boxer clouted his opponent hard on the jaw during the final round.
During the argument, Diego clouted the table with his fist in frustration.
The old fisherman clouted the fish on the head to kill it quickly.
文法句型
clout + noun phrase + on + body part
clout + noun phrase + with + object
用法筆記
Frequently used with a prepositional phrase indicating the body part or area that received the blow, as in 'clout someone on the head'. This sense sounds somewhat old-fashioned in modern everyday speech.
常見錯誤
2. to hit a ball with great force, especially in sports such as cricket or baseball
to hit a ball with great force, especially in sports such as cricket or baseball
The cricketer clouted the ball over the boundary for six runs.
clout + ball + direction/preposition (sports context)
Haruto clouted the baseball deep into the outfield during batting practice.
Chloe clouted the tennis ball so hard it landed in the next court.
The batter clouted a home run in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Amir clouted the cricket ball straight past the bowler for four.
文法句型
clout + noun phrase (ball type)
用法筆記
Mainly used in informal sports reporting and conversation, especially in cricket in the UK and Commonwealth countries. The direct object is always a ball or a related term such as 'home run'.
常見錯誤
clout — noun
- cloutsingular
- cloutsplural
1. the power or authority to influence people's decisions, actions, or events, ofte
the power or authority to influence people's decisions, actions, or events, often because of one's wealth, position, or connections
The big technology companies have a lot of political clout in Washington.
a lot of / political clout
Mei used her family's clout to get the project approved quickly.
Small businesses often lack the clout to compete with large corporations.
The union gained significant political clout after winning the strike vote.
Celebrities can use their social media clout to raise awareness about important issues.
- powerlessness
complete lack of influence
- weakness
inability to affect events or decisions
文法句型
a lot of clout
political/economic clout
用法筆記
Uncountable noun — you cannot say 'a clout' when referring to influence. Often modified by adjectives such as 'political', 'economic', 'financial', or 'social media'.
常見錯誤
2. a hard hit or blow, especially one using the hand or a heavy object
a hard hit or blow, especially one using the hand or a heavy object
The bully gave young Oliver a sharp clout on the back of the head.
give + clout + on + body part
Lucy received a painful clout on her knee when she fell off her bike.
The teacher gave the naughty boy a clout on the ear in the old days.
Tom got a nasty clout on the chin from the swinging door.
Fatima's little brother gave her a clout on the arm for no reason.
文法句型
give + someone + a clout
a clout + on + body part
用法筆記
Often appears after the verb 'give' in the structure 'give someone a clout (on a body part)'. When the clout is caused by an object rather than a person, 'get a clout' is common.
常見錯誤
3. a powerful hit on a ball during a sport such as cricket or baseball, or the stro
a powerful hit on a ball during a sport such as cricket or baseball, or the stroke that produces it
The batsman's powerful clout sent the ball sailing over the boundary fence.
With one great clout, the golfer drove the ball all the way to the green.
great clout + verb of hitting (golf context)
Vikram's powerful clout to the boundary scored four runs for his team.
The crowd cheered as the batter's clout cleared the outfield wall.
Nadia's perfect clout of the cricket ball won the match for the team.
文法句型
a clout + preposition + direction
用法筆記
Countable noun found primarily in sports journalism and commentary. Less common than the general word 'hit' in everyday conversation.