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| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | clyccan |
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clutch1
1 [transitive] to hold something tightly because you do not want to lose it [= grip, grasp]: She was clutching a bottle of champagne.
She was clutching a bottle of champagne.2 [intransitive and transitive] also clutch at somebody/something
a) to suddenly take hold of someone or something because you are frightened, in pain or in danger [= grab]: He clutched at a pillar for support. Tom fell to the ground clutching his stomach.
He clutched at a pillar for support.Tom fell to the ground clutching his stomach.b) if something clutches at your heart, you suddenly feel fear or nervousness
clutch at somebody's heart
3 to be trying everything possible to find a solution or hope in a difficult situation, even though it will probably be unsuccessful : I knew that trying the alternative medicine was just clutching at straws.
be clutching at straws
especially British EnglishI knew that trying the alternative medicine was just clutching at straws.