clutch
B2Both informal and formal depending on context (e.g., mechanical 'clutch' is technical, 'clutch situation' is informal/sports).
Definition
Meaning
To grasp or hold something tightly, especially in a moment of urgency or stress; a device for connecting and disconnecting engine power in a vehicle.
A critical or decisive moment; a group of eggs; a set of people or things; a woman's small handbag without handles; in sports, performing well under pressure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core physical sense of 'grasping tightly' metaphorically extends to concepts of control, critical moments ('clutch time'), and mechanical connection/disconnection. As a noun, polysemy is high: it can refer to a mechanical device, a tight grip, a critical moment, a group of things, or a bag.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Clutch bag' is standard in both; 'riding the clutch' (keeping foot on pedal) is a shared driving term. 'Clutch hit' or 'clutch player' is more prevalent in American sports journalism.
Connotations
In both, 'clutch' as an adjective (e.g., 'a clutch player') connotes reliability under pressure, primarily from US sports culture. The mechanical sense is neutral. 'In the clutch' (at a critical time) is understood but slightly more American.
Frequency
The sports/adjectival use ('clutch performance') is significantly more frequent in American English. The noun sense for a 'set' (a clutch of eggs) is slightly more common in UK nature writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] clutch + object (He clutched the letter)[verb] clutch + at + object (She clutched at his arm)[noun] a clutch of + plural noun (a clutch of new policies)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “clutch at straws (to try desperate measures)”
- “in the clutch (at a critical moment)”
- “ride the clutch (to keep foot on pedal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; could metaphorically refer to a 'clutch deal' or 'clutch decision' in a crisis.
Academic
Limited to biological context ('a clutch of eggs') or historical ('the imperial clutch on colonies').
Everyday
Common for driving ('I stalled because I released the clutch too quickly') and holding objects ('She clutched her phone').
Technical
Primary use: the automotive clutch assembly, a friction disc, pressure plate, and release bearing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The child clutched his mother's coat in the crowd.
- He clutched at the branch as he fell.
American English
- She clutched her coffee cup for warmth.
- The quarterback clutched the ball in the final seconds.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as a standalone adverb; typically part of a compound like 'clutch-brake').
American English
- (Rarely used as a standalone adverb; 'clutch' as an adjective modifies nouns).
adjective
British English
- He scored a clutch goal in the last minute.
- It was a clutch putt to win the match.
American English
- She's known as a clutch hitter in baseball.
- The CEO made a clutch decision during the merger.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The baby clutched the toy.
- Press the clutch to change gear.
- She was clutching a small bag under her arm.
- The car needs a new clutch.
- In a clutch situation, he always remains calm.
- The hen was sitting on a clutch of eggs.
- The government tightened its clutch on the media.
- Faced with bankruptcy, they were clutching at straws.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CLUTCH bag: you have to CLUTCH it tightly under your arm because it has no handles.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS HOLDING (clutch the power, clutch the lead); CRITICAL MOMENTS ARE THINGS TO BE GRASPED (in the clutch); A SET IS A GRASP (a clutch of companies).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse 'clutch' (сцепление) with 'clutch bag' (клатч).
- Russian 'клатч' is a direct loanword for the bag, not for the verb.
- Avoid translating 'clutch at straws' literally; it's 'хвататься за соломинку'.
- 'Clutch' as a critical moment has no single Russian equivalent; use 'решающий момент'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He clutch my hand.' Correct: 'He clutched my hand.' (verb tense)
- Incorrect: 'A clutch eggs.' Correct: 'A clutch of eggs.' (requires 'of')
- Confusing 'clutch' (bag) with 'clasp' (fastener).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'clutch at straws' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while the car part is a common meaning, 'clutch' is also a verb meaning to grasp tightly, a noun for a critical moment, a type of bag, and a group of eggs.
Yes, particularly in American English, especially in sports (e.g., a 'clutch player'), meaning someone who performs well under pressure.
'Clutch' implies a tighter, more sustained, and often more desperate or anxious hold. 'Grab' is more sudden and forceful.
Because you have to 'clutch' or hold it in your hand, as it typically lacks a strap or handles.