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
In a back-and-forth third set, the Maroons continued to thrive in the clutch, eliminating a 20-16 Carroll lead with a strong 9-3 run.
—
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Nov. 2025
Critics questioned his ability to deliver in the clutch.
—The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for in the clutch
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Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Nov. 2025
Critics questioned his ability to deliver in the clutch.
—The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
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
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 26 Nov. 2025.
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