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

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Every organization needs people who can lead in the clutch—who, like Brunson, want the ball when the stakes are highest. Don Yaeger, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025 On Tuesday night in a pivotal Game 5, the Oilers proved dominant while continuing to come through in the clutch. Eric Stephens, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 Among the highest-volume three-point shooters in the clutch this year, the worst percentages were by four All-Stars: Tyler Herro (12 for 63, 19%), Jayson Tatum (6 for 31, 19.4%), Devin Booker (5 for 27, 18.5%) and Damian Lillard (4 for 27, 14.8%). Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025 The Commanders entering Saturday's divisional game as 9.5-point underdogs against the Lions is just flat-out disrespectful considering the abilities quarterback Jayden Daniels has shown to perform in the clutch no matter the opponent. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for in the clutch

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Cite this Entry

“In the clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20clutch. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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