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
Failure in the clutch has been a recurring theme and contributed mightily to Colorado’s 12-52 record, which ties the 1932 Red Sox for the worst record through 64 games in baseball’s Modern Era (since 1901).
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Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 7 June 2025
Elias, meanwhile, is stepping up in the clutch for the Vikings during her only season as the starting catcher.
—Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
Jalen Brunson is scoring in bunches, but the Knicks couldn't close it out in the clutch Game 1 or Game 2.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
Then Mitchell got hot in the clutch, scoring nine points on 3-of-4 shooting from three-point range in overtime after a shaky first half that included 0-of-4 shooting from the field.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
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Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 7 June 2025
Elias, meanwhile, is stepping up in the clutch for the Vikings during her only season as the starting catcher.
—Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
Jalen Brunson is scoring in bunches, but the Knicks couldn't close it out in the clutch Game 1 or Game 2.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
Then Mitchell got hot in the clutch, scoring nine points on 3-of-4 shooting from three-point range in overtime after a shaky first half that included 0-of-4 shooting from the field.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 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 15 Jun. 2025.
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