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“She scored the winning goal in the clutch.”
She scored the winning goal during a crucial moment in the game.
a critical situation or moment, especially one that requires decisive action
The quarterback delivered in the clutch, leading his team to victory.
The quarterback performed exceptionally well during a high-pressure moment.
This is a clutch moment for the company; we must secure the deal.
This is a crucial time for the company; the deal's success is vital.
Often used in sports, business, or high-stakes scenarios to describe decisive performance under pressure.
to grasp or hold tightly
She clutched the rope tightly as she climbed.
She held the rope firmly to avoid falling.
Refers to physical grip, often with fear or desperation.
a device that engages and disengages the engine's power to the transmission in a vehicle
The driver pressed the clutch pedal to change gears.
The driver used the clutch pedal to switch gears smoothly.
A mechanical component in manual transmission vehicles.
a group of eggs laid by a bird, reptile, or amphibian
The farmer found a clutch of eggs in the barn.
The farmer discovered a nest containing several eggs.
Also used metaphorically to describe a small, tightly grouped collection.
In sports commentary, 'clutch' describes a player's ability to perform well in decisive moments. Watch games and listen for phrases like 'clutch performer' or 'clutch moment' to reinforce usage.
Always check if 'clutch' refers to a critical situation (informal), a physical grip (literal), a mechanical part (technical), or a group of eggs (biological).
From Old English 'clyccan' (to clutch or clasp), related to Middle Low German 'klütchen' and Dutch 'klutsen'. The automotive meaning emerged in the early 20th century.
As a noun in sports or business, 'clutch' implies a high-pressure scenario. As a verb, it describes physical gripping or emotional desperation. The automotive term is technical and specific to manual transmissions.