Clinch
/klɪntʃ/
verbnounB2
Definition
Clinch as a verb means to finally succeed in getting or achieving something important, like winning a game or making a deal. It can also mean to hold something tightly with your hands or arms. As a noun, a clinch is the act of holding tightly, especially in fighting or close contact.
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See It in Action
To secure or win something firmly, especially after effort
- •She clinched the victory with a last-minute goal.
- •The company clinched the contract after weeks of negotiation.
- •He clinched the championship by winning the final match.
To hold tightly, especially in a physical or fighting context
- •The fighters clinched in the ring to stop the action.
- •They clinched each other’s hands tightly during the scary moment.
- •In wrestling, a clinch can prevent your opponent from moving freely.
The act of holding tightly (noun)
- •The clinch between the two boxers lasted several seconds.
- •During the clinch, neither fighter could throw a punch.
- •The climbers had a clinch on the rope to stay safe.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "clinch" like "grab" (A1 word), but stronger and more final—it means to hold so tight you don’t let go or to finish something successfully.
- ✓Picture two people in a tight hug or wrestlers holding each other so closely they cannot move apart.
- ✓It’s the feeling when you finally win a game and hold the trophy firmly in your hands.
- ✓Sounds like "clinch" → imagine a key that "clinks" shut, locking something securely.
- ✓Think of a boxer clinching their opponent to stop the fight for a moment, holding tightly.
- ✓NOT like "catch" (which can be loose or temporary), "clinch" means a firm, strong hold or a final success.
- ✓NOT like "win" (which only means success), "clinch" includes the idea of securing or making sure of that success.
- ✓NOT like "hug" (which is gentle and friendly), "clinch" can be tight and forceful.
Try Other Words
- •Secure: to make sure something is safe or certain (Use when focusing on making something safe or certain, like a deal or position)
- •Grab: to take or hold quickly (Use when the action is quick and not always final or strong)
- •Win: to be successful in a contest or competition (Use when focusing only on success, not the act of securing it firmly)
- •Grip: to hold something firmly (Use when the focus is on physical holding, not winning or securing)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix) — "clinch" is a simple root word
- •Etymology: From Middle English, probably from Old English "clincian," meaning to fasten or lock
- •Historical development: Originally used to mean fastening something tightly; later extended to mean winning or securing firmly in sports and business
- •Modern usage: Used in sports, business, and everyday language to mean securing a win, deal, or physical hold tightly
Reflect & Connect
•How does the idea of "clinch" connect physical holding and winning in competitions?
•Can you think of a time when you "clinched" something important in your life? What did it feel like?
Fill in the blanks
1.She clinched the championship ___ scoring the final goal in the last minute.
2.The fighters clinched ___ to stop the fight from continuing.
3.When you clinch a deal, it means you have made the agreement ___.
4.He held the rope in a tight clinch to ___ his safety during the climb.
5.Unlike a simple hug, a clinch is usually ___ and does not let go easily.
6.The team clinched victory ___ their strong defense in the last quarter.
7.During the clinch, neither boxer could ___ a clear punch to the other.