How Do You Spell CLUTCH AT?

Pronunciation: [klˈʌt͡ʃ at] (IPA)

The spelling of the phrase "clutch at" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /klʌtʃ/ + /æt/. The first part of the word, "clutch," is spelled with a "u" and pronounced with a short "u" sound, as in "hut" or "up." The second part, "at," is spelled as it sounds, with the short "a" sound, as in "bat" or "cat." When combined, the phrase means attempting to grasp or hold onto something tightly.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
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CLUTCH AT Meaning and Definition

  1. To "clutch at" refers to the act of reaching or grabbing for something hastily, often in a desperate or urgent manner. The term is derived from the literal action of clutching, which means to tightly hold or grasp onto an object. However, in this context, it emphasizes the desperate nature of the action, suggesting anxiety or desperation in the attempt to obtain or retain something.

    When someone clutches at something, they may do so due to a pressing need or fear of losing a possession, opportunity, or relationship. It implies a sense of urgency and often conveys a feeling of unease or insecurity. The act of clutching at usually occurs instinctively and may manifest in physical, mental, or emotional ways.

    For example, a person might clutch at a lifeline while drowning, demonstrating their desperate attempt to hold onto survival. In a figurative sense, a disadvantaged worker may clutch at any available job opportunity to secure their financial stability, highlighting their desperation for employment.

    Overall, the phrase "clutch at" denotes an act of quick, forceful attempt to acquire something or prevent its loss. Its usage helps to convey the intensity and urgency with which one seeks to achieve their objective, often bringing to light the underlying emotions and circumstances driving such actions.

Common Misspellings for CLUTCH AT

  • xlutch at
  • vlutch at
  • flutch at
  • dlutch at
  • ckutch at
  • cputch at
  • coutch at
  • clytch at
  • clhtch at
  • cljtch at
  • clitch at
  • cl8tch at
  • cl7tch at
  • clurch at
  • clufch at
  • clugch at
  • cluych at
  • clu6ch at
  • clu5ch at
  • clutxh at

Etymology of CLUTCH AT

The word "clutch" originated from the Old English word "clucian", which means "to clasp or grasp tightly". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "klukjan", which shares the same meaning. The preposition "at" is used following the verb "clutch" to indicate the action of reaching or grabbing for something. Therefore, the phrase "clutch at" combines the verb "clutch" with the preposition "at" to express the action of grasping or reaching for something tightly.

Idioms with the word CLUTCH AT

  • clutch at sm or sth The idiom "clutch at something" or "clutch at someone" means to grasp, hold, or grab onto something or someone tightly and desperately. It indicates a sense of urgency and a desperate attempt to grasp or attain something.
  • clutch at a straw The idiom "clutch at a straw" means to desperately seek any possible solution or hope, regardless of its effectiveness or unlikely success. It stems from the image of a drowning person grasping at a straw for support, even though it offers little to no help. Thus, it refers to a situation where someone is in a desperate and helpless state, making any attempt to save themselves, regardless of its futility.
  • clutch at straws The idiom "clutch at straws" means to make a desperate and often futile attempt to find a solution or hope in a difficult or hopeless situation. It refers to the act of grasping at anything, even something insubstantial or unlikely, in order to maintain hope or avoid despair.
  • a drowning man will clutch at a straw The idiom "a drowning man will clutch at a straw" refers to a desperate situation where a person will try any possible solution, no matter how unlikely or insignificant, in order to save themselves. It signifies the instinctive and desperate actions taken by someone who is in dire circumstances, even if those actions have little chance of success.
  • clutch at (someone or something) The idiom "clutch at (someone or something)" means to reach out hastily, desperately, or anxiously in an attempt to grasp or hold on to someone or something. It often implies a sense of urgency or desperation.