clutch

• 多义词：抓紧或握住的动作用；紧张或危急的处境；一次所产的卵或一窝雏鸟；一起处理的一组物品；无带的小手提包；或用于接合和断开发动机动力的机械装置。

A noun with multiple meanings: the act of grasping or holding tightly; a tense or critical situation; a group of eggs laid at one time or a brood of young birds; a collection or set of items handled together; a small handbag without straps; or a mechanical device for engaging and disengaging power transmission.

1. Grasp or holdB1formal

   The act of grasping or holding something tightly.

   抓握

   • He felt the clutch of her hand on his arm.
   • The child's clutch on the toy was surprisingly strong.
   • She lost her clutch on the rope and fell.

   同义词claspgraspgriphold

   反义词loosenrelease

2. B2informal

   A tense or critical situation, often requiring decisive action.

   关键时刻

   • In the clutch, he made the winning shot.
   • She always performs well under pressure, especially in the clutch.
   • The team relied on their star player in the clutch.

   同义词crisisdifficultyemergencyfixjampinchpredicament

3. Group of eggs or youngC1formal

   A number of eggs laid or young hatched at the same time, especially in birds.

   窝

   • The hen laid a clutch of six eggs.
   • The ornithologist studied the clutch of robin eggs.
   • A clutch of ducklings followed their mother to the pond.

   同义词broodhatch

4. Collection or groupB2formal

   A collection of things or people that are handled or considered together.

   一批

   • She had a clutch of keys in her hand.
   • A clutch of reporters gathered outside the building.
   • He carried a clutch of documents to the meeting.

   同义词batchbunchclustercollectiongrouplotpackset

5. B1formal

   A small, strapless handbag that is carried in the hand, often used for formal occasions.

   手拿包

   • She carried a black clutch to the wedding.
   • Her clutch matched her shoes perfectly.
   • He bought her a designer clutch for her birthday.

   同义词clutch bagevening bag

6. Mechanical deviceB1formal

   A pedal or lever that engages or disengages a rotating shaft and a driving mechanism, especially in a vehicle.

   离合器

   • Press the clutch before shifting gears.
   • The clutch in my car is starting to wear out.
   • He released the clutch slowly to start moving.

7. Coupling mechanismC1formal

   A coupling that connects or disconnects driving and driven parts of a driving mechanism.

   离合器

   • The clutch engages the engine with the transmission.
   • A faulty clutch can cause the machine to malfunction.
   • The mechanic replaced the worn clutch in the industrial press.

   同义词couplercoupling

• 动词，表示用手或爪子紧紧抓住或握住某物；也可表示因紧张或恐惧而攥紧拳头或牙齿。

A verb used to indicate the act of grasping or holding something tightly, often with the hands or claws.

1. Grab or seizeB1formal

   To take hold of something suddenly and firmly.

   抓住

   • She clutched her bag tightly as she walked through the crowd.
   • He clutched the railing to keep from falling.
   • The child clutched his mother's hand in fear.

   同义词claspclenchgrabgraspgripholdseizesnatch

   反义词droplet gorelease

2. Hold firmlyB1formal

   To hold something tightly, usually with the hands.

   紧握

   • She clutched the steering wheel during the storm.
   • He clutched the trophy proudly after winning.
   • The old man clutched his walking stick for support.

   同义词claspclenchgraspgripholdseize

   反义词droplet gorelease

3. Affect emotionallyB2informal

   To have a strong emotional impact on someone.

   揪心

   • The tragic news clutched at her heart.
   • A feeling of dread clutched him as he entered the room.
   • The story clutched the audience's attention from the start.

   同义词affectgripmovestirtouch