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
Is there a reason the guys who get cast as QB1s, the ones who take on those tough jobs and earn the big bucks for doing it, usually can bring it in front of cameras and in the clutch?
—
Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 12 June 2025
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).
—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
See All Example Sentences for in the clutch
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Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 12 June 2025
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).
—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
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 Jul. 2025.
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