clinch
KLINCH
/klɪntʃ/
A struggle or scuffle at close quarters; to confirm or settle a contract or bargain.
In boxing or Muay Thai, it is a specific position where fighters hold each other to prevent strikes or to land knees.
The story behind the word. A variation of the word 'clench,' which comes from Old English 'clencan,' meaning 'to hold fast' or 'to make to cling.' It shifted from physical holding to 'holding' a deal or victory.
Word relationships
- clench: Clench is usually for teeth or fists; clinch is for people or deals.
- finalize: Finalize is a general term for finishing, while clinch implies a decisive final action.
- release: Release is to let go, while clinch is to hold tight.
Commonly confused with
- grapple: Grappling is the whole act of wrestling; a clinch is a specific upright holding position.
Word family
- clincher (noun): A fact or event that settles a matter conclusively.
Collocations
- clinch the title
- locked in a clinch
- clinch a deal
Example sentences
- "The referee had to step in and break the clinch as neither fighter was throwing punches." Describing a boxing match.
- "His final argument was enough to clinch the deal and secure the partnership." Metaphorical use in business.
Memory hook
When you 'clinch' a deal, you 'clench' it in your hands so it can't get away. Clinch to win.
When not to use
Don't use it for a friendly hug; it implies a struggle or a firm, decisive hold.
Fun facts
- In Muay Thai, the clinch is a highly technical part of the sport used to set up devastating knee strikes.
Related words
Explore more words
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.