clutch
Mechanism linking engine to gearbox
A clutch is a tight grip or grasp: She held the railing in a desperate clutch.
To clutch is to grab or hold tightly: He clutched the steering wheel.
In machinery, a clutch connects and disconnects rotating shafts—notably in manual-transmission vehicles, where the clutch pedal disengages the engine from the drivetrain.
A clutch of eggs is a batch laid together; a clutch of anything is a small group.
In sports slang, clutch describes performance under pressure: He hit a clutch three-pointer with seconds left.
A clutch bag is a small handbag without straps, held in the hand.
Seize or understand
- holdMaintain in grasp
- seizeTake suddenly, forcibly
- clenchSqueeze tightly shut
- squeezeFirm bilateral compression
clasp · grab · tighten · embrace · cling · grapple · snatch · handhold
Animal-built shelter for young
laying · incubation · flock · hatchlings · sitting · brooding · nesting
Securing device that clicks
- purseBag for personal items
- handbagPortable container for belongings
- pouchSmall flexible bag
- snapSudden sharp sound
closure · evening bag · pocketbook · accessory · fashion · formal
Sending of information
- pedalFoot-operated lever
- gearboxEnclosed system of cogs
- flywheelRotational energy storage device
- drivetrainVehicle power transmission system
manual · shifting · disengage · engage · slipping · friction · hydraulic · cable
Crushing, grinding noise
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
- decisiveQuick to conclude
- crucialOf supreme importance
- high-stakesInvolving significant consequences
moment · performance · nerves · composure · choke · deliver · spotlight · buzzer-beater
grasp
Seize or understand
squeeze · clasp · grab · tighten · embrace · cling · grapple · snatch · handhold · traction
nest
Animal-built shelter for young
hen · laying · incubation · flock · hatchlings · sitting · brooding · nesting
clasp
Securing device that clicks
snap · closure · evening bag · pocketbook · accessory · fashion · formal
transmission
Sending of information
drivetrain · manual · shifting · disengage · engage · slipping · friction · hydraulic · cable · release
crunch
Crushing, grinding noise
high-stakes · moment · performance · nerves · composure · choke · deliver · spotlight · buzzer-beater · overtime
- car partsengine, steering wheel, brake, seats, tires
- car pedalsgas pedal, brake pedal, accelerator, gas, brake
- handbagspurse, purses, crossbody, crossbody bag, shoulder bag
- mechanical partsgears, levers, pulleys, bearings, springs
- sports idiomsdrop the ball, throw in the towel, slam dunk, out of left field, level playing field
- classic car partscarburetor, distributor, spark plug, spark plugs, radiator
- clutch pedalLever separating engine from drivetrain
- clutch of eggs
- pearl clutchingPerformative moral shock
- clutch bagStrapless handheld purse
- clutch at strawsAttempt futile last resorts
- clutch playerAthlete who excels pressured
clutched, clutches, clutching, unclutched, clutcher, clutch bag, clutchless, clutch pedal