cling on
Refuse to release
Cling on is a phrasal verb meaning to hold tightly to something, especially when in danger of falling or losing grip: She clung on as the boat pitched in the waves.
Figuratively, it means to persist stubbornly despite difficulty: The team clung on for a narrow victory.
To cling on to something is to refuse to let go of it—a belief, a hope, a fading lead.
- hold onWait or maintain grip
- hold tightMaintain firm grasp
- hang tightWait patiently in place
- hang in thereEndure through difficulty
- white knuckleCausing tense fear
death grip · for dear life · limpet · barnacle · adhere · stick to · attachment · hang onto · grasp · clutch · desperate · fingernails · last gasp · latch · koala · anchor · hold fast · persevere
persistence/tenacity
cling ongive up
Stop attempting something
surrender · quit · abandon · capitulate · throw in the towel