latched on
Clung and held
To latch on is to attach firmly, either physically or figuratively.
A baby latches on to the breast when nursing.
The phrase often describes seizing an idea or opportunity: She latched on to the concept immediately.
It can also mean attaching oneself to a person, sometimes unwelcomely: He latched on to me at the party and wouldn't leave.
- grippedHeld with pressure
- held tightMaintained a strong grip
- claspedHeld firmly together
- attachedJoined to another thing
- comprehendedMentally absorbed meaning
caught on · fastened · took hold · clung · secured · obsessed · bonded · tuned in · adhered · understood · picked up on · relied · clung to · hung on · infatuated · hooked · dependent · learned
psychological dependence
latched onindependent
Free from external control
self-sufficient · self-reliant · detached · autonomous · cut ties
comprehension/adoption
latched onmissed
Failed to reach
overlooked · rejected · ignored · passed over · dismissed