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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
McIlroy has an unfortunate history of folding in the clutch. David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025 Kevin Durant is 17-9 in the clutch this season but ranks outside of the top-10 in points scored in winning time. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025 The Rockets’ fourth-quarter struggles (23rd in net rating in the period and in the clutch) continue to haunt them and could cost them. The Athletic Nba Staff, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 Those teams lived on the edge, always winning in the clutch and with superb pitching. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for in the clutch

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In the clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20clutch. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!