[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/clutches/)

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# clutches

noun plural (clutches); verb form of clutch (clutch, clutches, clutched, clutching); noun (a clutch, clutches)

«clutches» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. (the clutches of) The power or control of someone dangerous, as in "in the clutches of the villain". [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/clutches/#m1)
2. (verb) Holds something tightly, often because of fear or pain. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/clutches/#m2)
3. (plural of clutch) The pedals or devices in cars that connect and disconnect the engine from the wheels. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/clutches/#m3)
4. (plural of clutch) Sets of eggs laid at one time, or small groups of people or things. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/clutches/#m4)
5. Small handbags with no handles, called clutch bags. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/clutches/#m5)

### In the lessons

In stories it shows danger ("escaped from the clutches of the witch") or fear ("she clutches her teddy"). In science, a bird or turtle lays clutches of eggs. In cars, the driver presses the clutch to change gear. Phrases: "in the clutches of", "clutches at straws" (tries anything, even if hopeless).

### Examples

- The princess escaped from the clutches of the dragon. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/clutches/#x1)
- She clutches her bag tightly on the bus. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/clutches/#x2)
- The turtle laid two clutches of eggs this year. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/clutches/#x3)
- Manual cars have clutches; most automatic cars don't. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/clutches/#x4)
- He clutches his tummy because it hurts. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/clutches/#x5)
- When he can't answer, he clutches at straws. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/clutches/#x6)
- I know no way of rescuing Delicia from her clutches.’ [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/clutches/#x7)

### Note

"Clutches" can be the plural noun or the he/she/it form of the verb "clutch". Past form: clutched. "Clutches at straws" means trying desperately.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «clutches» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/clutches/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«clutches» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/clutches.html) on Mova free.