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
Rookie left-hander Carson Palmquist pitched well enough to give the Rockies a chance, but in a recurring theme, the Rockies lacked the big hit in the clutch, going 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position.
—
Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 21 June 2025
Despite nearly unraveling at various points in the second half, Golden State found a way to deliver in the clutch as the Valkyries defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 89-81 in overtime on the road.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 10 June 2025
The Heat simply can’t score in the clutch, leading to more losses in close games than wins.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
But Herro delivered in the clutch for the Heat to stop the bleeding, hitting a 27-foot pull-up three to extend the Heat’s lead to eight with 2:18 remaining.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
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Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 21 June 2025
Despite nearly unraveling at various points in the second half, Golden State found a way to deliver in the clutch as the Valkyries defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 89-81 in overtime on the road.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 10 June 2025
The Heat simply can’t score in the clutch, leading to more losses in close games than wins.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
But Herro delivered in the clutch for the Heat to stop the bleeding, hitting a 27-foot pull-up three to extend the Heat’s lead to eight with 2:18 remaining.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 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 24 Jul. 2025.
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