clutch

«clutch» in Mova's school dictionary: To hold something tightly, often because you are afraid… — its meaning for a pupil, its sense in the lessons and examples.

part of speech

verb (clutch, clutches, clutched, clutching); noun (a clutch, clutches); adjective (clutch — US slang)

meaning for a pupil

1) To hold something tightly, often because you are afraid, in pain or don't want to lose it. tree →

2) To try to grab something quickly («clutch at the rope»). tree →

3) (noun) A pedal in a car (and a lever on a motorbike) used to change gears. tree →

4) (noun) A group of eggs laid at one time by a bird, or a group of chicks; also a small group of things. tree →

5) (noun) In «in someone's clutches»: in someone's power or control. tree →

6) (slang, especially US) Very good at doing well in a tense, important moment («a clutch shot»). tree →

7) (noun) A small handbag with no handle, held in the hand. tree →

sense in the lessons

In stories it shows fear or determination — clutching a teddy, clutching a ticket. The idiom «clutch at straws» means trying anything when there is little hope. In nature lessons a hen sits on a clutch of eggs. In driving, the clutch is pressed to change gear. In sport talk (especially in North America), a «clutch» player scores when it matters most. It tells the reader about holding tight, power or eggs.

examples

• She clutched her mum's hand in the dark corridor. tree →
• He was clutching a crumpled five-pound note. tree →
• The duck sat on a clutch of eight eggs. tree →
• Press the clutch before you change gear. tree →
• The princess was in the witch's clutches. tree →
• That last-second basket was so clutch! tree →
• He clutched his stomach and groaned. tree →
• Don't clutch at straws — just admit you forgot. tree →
• But he stretched out his arm and clutched wildly at the mane and pulled himself into the saddle. tree →

note

Verb: clutches, clutched, clutching. Noun plural: clutches. Note the many meanings — read the sentence: eggs, cars, grip, bags or slang. «Clutch» as an adjective (a clutch player) is informal slang, mainly American.

Trees and pragmatics

Every meaning and example of «clutch» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.