clutch
/ˈklʌt͡ʃ/ noun C1- The claw of a predatory animal or bird.
- A grip, especially one seen as rapacious or evil.
- A device to interrupt power transmission, commonly used to separate the engine and gearbox in a car.
- The pedal in a car that disengages power and torque transmission from the engine (through the drivetrain) to the drive wheels.
- Any device for gripping an object, as at the end of a chain or tackle.
- A fastener that attaches to the back of a tack pin to secure an accessory to clothing. (See Clutch (pin fastener).)
- A small handbag or purse with no straps or handle.
- An important or critical situation. · to come in clutch
Plural clutches
From the library
Mercédès looked pleased and gratified, while Fernand grasped the handle of his knife with a convulsive clutch.
Its tenacious grip plucked at our heels as we walked, and when we sank into it it was as if some malignant hand was tugging us down into those obscene depths, so grim and purposeful was the clutch in which it held us.
Then there will be no blood, no groans, no convulsions, and above all, no consciousness of that horrid and compromising moment of accomplishing the act,—then one escapes the clutch of the human law, which says, ‘Do not disturb society!’ This is the mode in which they manage these things, and succeed in Eastern climes, where there are grave and phlegmatic persons who care very little for the questions of time in conjunctures of importance.”
Other matches
Learn clutch in real texts
With a free account, hover any word in the library for its meaning, hear it read aloud, save words for review timed to your memory, and see how much of each book you already know.