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
But Wennermars didn’t come close to beating Stolz, who entered the day as a big favorite — and came through in the clutch.
—
Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Rather than wilt under the pressure, the Braintree junior decided to deliver in the clutch.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
Flagg had a chance to tie the game in the clutch but couldn't knock down the shot.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
The All-Star hopeful scored a season-high 38 points, two shy of his career high, with 10 rebounds and seven 3-pointers, nearly dragging the Nets across the finish line before Brooklyn fell to the Denver Nuggets 107-103 in the clutch.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2026
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Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Rather than wilt under the pressure, the Braintree junior decided to deliver in the clutch.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
Flagg had a chance to tie the game in the clutch but couldn't knock down the shot.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
The All-Star hopeful scored a season-high 38 points, two shy of his career high, with 10 rebounds and seven 3-pointers, nearly dragging the Nets across the finish line before Brooklyn fell to the Denver Nuggets 107-103 in the clutch.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2026
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 14 Feb. 2026.
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