in the clutch
idiom
US
: in a very important or critical situation especially during a sports competition
He is known for his ability to come through in the clutch.
She scored a basket in the clutch.
Examples of in the clutch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Both players take pride in playing well in the clutch.
—
Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2025
LeBron James came through in the clutch from the free-throw line and on defense, with big-time contributions from key role players Gabe Vincent and Dorian Finney-Smith as Luka Doncic fought through a poor shooting night and a banged up left elbow.
—Austin Knoblauch, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2025
Indiana has been masterful in the clutch this week and earned some huge victories for the postseason standings race.
—Tony East, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
The All-Star floor general is tied with Atlanta’s Trae Young with 145 points scored in the clutch, which the NBA defines as the final five minutes of regulation or overtime of a game within a five-point margin.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2025
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Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2025
LeBron James came through in the clutch from the free-throw line and on defense, with big-time contributions from key role players Gabe Vincent and Dorian Finney-Smith as Luka Doncic fought through a poor shooting night and a banged up left elbow.
—Austin Knoblauch, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2025
Indiana has been masterful in the clutch this week and earned some huge victories for the postseason standings race.
—Tony East, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
The All-Star floor general is tied with Atlanta’s Trae Young with 145 points scored in the clutch, which the NBA defines as the final five minutes of regulation or overtime of a game within a five-point margin.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the clutch
Cite this Entry
“In the clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20clutch. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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