clutch
/klʌtʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /klʌtʃ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkləch/ (ame, mw)
clutch — verb
- clutchpresent simple I / you / we / they
- clutcheshe / she / it
- clutchedpast simple
- clutching-ing form
1. to press your fingers or hand firmly against something and keep it there, becaus
to press your fingers or hand firmly against something and keep it there, because you are frightened, hurting, or desperate not to lose it
The frightened child clutched his mother's hand as the crowd pushed past.
clutch + possessive noun phrase as object
Aiko clutched the wooden railing tightly when the boat began to rock.
clutch + object + adverb (tightly)
Leila clutched at the branch, trying not to fall from the tree.
The old woman clutched her handbag to her chest and walked quickly past the stranger.
Beatriz clutched onto the edge of the seat as the plane hit a patch of rough air.
文法句型
clutch + object
clutch at + object
clutch onto + object
用法筆記
Often used with prepositions 'at' or 'onto' when the action is an attempt rather than a firm hold. The 'at' form suggests the person is trying but may not succeed.
常見錯誤
clutch — noun
- clutchsingular
- clutchesplural
1. a device in a vehicle or machine that connects and disconnects the engine from t
a device in a vehicle or machine that connects and disconnects the engine from the wheels or other moving parts, allowing the driver to change gears or stop without turning off the engine
Ravi pressed the clutch and moved the gear stick carefully into first.
press the clutch
The mechanic said the old clutch in the delivery van needed to be replaced soon.
When Yusuf released the clutch too quickly, the car jerked forward and stalled.
A worn-out clutch can make it very hard to shift gears without a grinding noise.
用法筆記
In a vehicle with a manual transmission, you press the clutch pedal with your foot to disconnect the engine power briefly while changing gear.
2. the foot-operated lever in a car or truck that a driver pushes down to disconnec
the foot-operated lever in a car or truck that a driver pushes down to disconnect the engine from the wheels so that the gears can be shifted
Noa kept her left foot resting on the clutch pedal while waiting at the red light.
clutch pedal
In a manual car you must push the clutch pedal all the way down before shifting gear.
push the clutch pedal
Diego pumped the clutch pedal several times to get the stubborn mechanism to loosen up.
The driving instructor showed Hana how to find the clutch pedal without looking down.
用法筆記
Distinct from sense 1 (MACHINE PART): this sense refers to the pedal or lever the driver touches, not the mechanical device underneath. In everyday talk, 'the clutch' can mean either, but 'clutch pedal' is unambiguous.
3. a set of eggs laid by one bird at a single time, typically in a nest and incubat
a set of eggs laid by one bird at a single time, typically in a nest and incubated together
The robin sat patiently on her clutch of five blue eggs in the oak tree.
clutch of [number] eggs
Hana found a small clutch of sparrow eggs hidden deep inside the garden hedge.
Each spring the barn swallows return and lay a fresh clutch of eggs on the same beam.
The researchers counted the number of eggs in each clutch to study the bird's breeding patterns.
- brood
refers to the hatched chicks rather than the eggs
用法筆記
A bird may produce several clutches in one breeding season. The word emphasizes that the eggs were laid by the same mother at roughly the same time.
4. a handful of people or items that are gathered together in the same location or
a handful of people or items that are gathered together in the same location or belong together in some way
A small clutch of students gathered outside the library to discuss the exam results.
clutch of + plural noun (people)
Dr. Okafor met with a clutch of reporters after the medical conference ended.
The photographer spotted a clutch of rare orchids growing behind the waterfall.
A clutch of old photographs fell out of the book when Priya opened it.
用法筆記
Use 'clutch' rather than 'group' when you want to emphasize that the collection is small and feels somewhat separate from its surroundings.
5. a position of power or control over someone, especially when that control is unw
a position of power or control over someone, especially when that control is unwanted or hard to escape
The charity organization held the whole village in its clutches through debt and threats.
in someone's clutches
Wen managed to escape from the clutches of the criminal gang after several months.
escape/fall from the clutches of
The young bird had fallen into the clutches of a hungry stray cat.
Tariq knew he had to keep his young brother out of the clutches of the local gang.
- freedom
the opposite of being under someone's control
用法筆記
Almost always used in the plural form 'clutches'. Often paired with verbs like 'fall into', 'escape from', or 'be in'. The image is of being trapped in someone's hands or claws.
6. a moment or situation that is difficult and demanding, where the outcome depends
a moment or situation that is difficult and demanding, where the outcome depends on performing well under pressure
The goalkeeper came through in the clutch and saved the penalty shot with one hand.
come through in the clutch (phrase)
When the main generator failed, the backup battery arrived right in the clutch.
in the clutch — at a critical moment
Priya always performs her best in the clutch when the pressure is highest.
Amara froze in the clutch and missed the easy shot that would have won the match.
用法筆記
Common in sports contexts. The phrase 'in the clutch' means 'at a critical moment'. 'Come through in the clutch' means to perform well when it matters most. This sense is strongly associated with informal American English.
clutch — adjective
- clutchpositive
- clutchercomparative
- clutchestsuperlative
1. describes a person who is able to perform well and succeed when the situation is
describes a person who is able to perform well and succeed when the situation is very difficult or the outcome really matters
Theo is the most clutch player on the team when the game is on the line.
clutch player
The coach put her most clutch striker onto the field for the final minutes of the match.
Every team needs a few clutch performers who stay calm under pressure.
Rashida earned a reputation as a clutch negotiator who could close any difficult deal.
- reliable
more formal; does not imply high-pressure situations specifically
- dependable
consistently good; less dramatic than clutch
- unreliable
cannot be trusted to perform when needed
用法筆記
Used before nouns only. Originally from American sports slang (a 'clutch hitter' in baseball), now used in other high-pressure contexts like business and exams.
2. describes an action or performance that is done successfully at a very important
describes an action or performance that is done successfully at a very important and difficult moment, when the result depends on it
Nadia made a clutch shot that won the basketball tournament for her school.
clutch shot
The pilot's clutch decision to turn back prevented a disaster during the snowstorm.
clutch decision
It was a clutch save by the firefighter who caught the child at the last second.
The lawyer made a clutch argument in court that convinced the jury to change their vote.
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 (DEPENDABLE) which describes the PERSON, this sense describes the ACTION itself. You can be a clutch player (sense 1) who makes a clutch shot (sense 2).
3. describes something that is exactly what you need in a given situation — extreme
describes something that is exactly what you need in a given situation — extremely useful, well-timed, or perfectly suited
That lightweight jacket is clutch — it goes with everything and folds into a bag.
is clutch (predicative use)
Rohan brought a clutch playlist for the road trip that everyone in the car enjoyed.
The extra blanket we packed turned out to be clutch when the temperature dropped at night.
Yara found a clutch parking spot right in front of the restaurant just as the rain started.
- useless
completely the opposite of helpful
用法筆記
Unlike senses 1–2 which must come before a noun, this sense can be used predicatively ('That is clutch'). Strongly informal — best for casual conversation, not formal writing.