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
Ohtani pitched the first two and a half innings of Game 7 and also delivered big home runs in the clutch in earlier games.
—
Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 2 Nov. 2025
Their strong defense came through in the clutch the rest of the way as the Harborwomen responded with the type of play expected from the top team in the MIAA Div.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Five players in the NBA last season shot 51% or better on 50-plus shot attempts in the clutch — the final five minutes of the game when the margin is within five points.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 Oct. 2025
Mahomes Magic and coming through in the clutch always has been part of that, but the defense has been essential.
—Chris Ochsner, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the clutch
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Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 2 Nov. 2025
Their strong defense came through in the clutch the rest of the way as the Harborwomen responded with the type of play expected from the top team in the MIAA Div.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Five players in the NBA last season shot 51% or better on 50-plus shot attempts in the clutch — the final five minutes of the game when the margin is within five points.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 Oct. 2025
Mahomes Magic and coming through in the clutch always has been part of that, but the defense has been essential.
—Chris Ochsner, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 2025.
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