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
Haywood Highsmith then made a three to pull the Heat within four points with 2:11 remaining, but Donovan Mitchell again delivered in the clutch with a three-pointer to push the Cavaliers’ lead back up to seven with 1:52 left.
—
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for in the clutch
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.
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
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
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 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share