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in someone's or something's clutches

idiom

Definition of in someone's or something's clutches

: in someone's or something's claws
  • The hawk had the mouse in its clutches.
—often used figuratively to indicate control over someone
  • They were powerless to oppose them. He had them in his clutches.

Word by Word Definitions

someone play

  1. : some person : somebody

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something play

  1. : some indeterminate or unspecified thing

  2. : some indeterminate amount more than a specified number

  3. : a person or thing of consequence

  1. : in some degree : somewhat

  2. used as an intensive giving adverbial force to an adjective

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clutch play clutches

  1. : to grasp or hold with or as if with the hand or claws usually strongly, tightly, or suddenly

  2. : clench

  3. : to seek to grasp and hold

  1. : the claws or a hand in the act of grasping or seizing firmly

  2. : an often cruel or unrelenting control, power, or possession

  3. : the act of grasping, holding, or restraining

  1. : made or done in a crucial situation

  2. : successful in a crucial situation

  1. : a nest of eggs or a brood of chicks

  2. : group, bunch

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