What does clutch mean?
Word: Clutch
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: Clutch means to hold something very tightly in your hand, often because you are scared or do not want to drop it.
Synonyms: grip, grasp, clasp
Antonyms: release
How do you spell clutch?
Syllables: clutch
Tricky part: The ch sound at the end is spelt tch. The t is not heard, so many children leave it out and write cluch.
Watch out for: cluch, clutsh
Memory tip: Catch and clutch both hide a quiet t before the ch: first you catch it, then you clutch it.
Idioms and Phrases
- clutch at straws: To try anything at all, even when there is little hope. Example: "With one over left and forty runs to make, the team was clutching at straws."
Clutch in a sentence
Example 1: The baby clutched my finger and would not let go.
Example 2: Riya clutched her ticket as the train pulled in.
Example 3: He clutched the railing on the steep stairs.
Fun Fact
A clutch is also a set of eggs laid by a bird at one time. A hen may sit on a clutch of ten or more eggs.
Practise the CREST Way
Jumble Tumble
Choose the correct sequence of the jumbled letters to form a meaningful word:
uctlhc 123456
a) 421365
b) 241356
c) 241365
d) 243165
Show answer
c) 241365. Read the letters in the order 2, 4, 1, 3, 6, 5 and you get clutch.
Sound Check
Which of the following words rhymes with clutch?
a) couch
b) clock
c) much
d) coach
Show answer
c) much. Say much and clutch aloud: their endings sound the same.
Spell Spies
Choose the incorrectly spelt word:
a) button
b) handle
c) pocket
d) klutch
Show answer
d) klutch. Clutch begins with c, as cling and clasp do.
Spellacadabra
Choose the correct option to make a meaningful word:
cl__tch
a) u
b) a
c) o
d) oo
Show answer
a) u. The short u of cut sits between the l and the tch.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Why might a small child clutch a parent's hand in a crowd?
a) to count fingers
b) to keep warm
c) to wave goodbye
d) to feel safe
Show answer
d) to feel safe
2. In which sentence is clutch used correctly?
a) Chloe clutched a song on the radio.
b) Chloe clutched a nap after lunch.
c) Chloe clutched quickly up the hill.
d) Chloe clutched her umbrella in the wind.
Show answer
d) Chloe clutched her umbrella in the wind.
