in the clutch

phrase

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

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Despite the Argentine soccer god’s uncharacteristically rough start — including missing a penalty kick in the first half — Messi came through in the clutch, helping his national team pull off a jaw-dropping comeback. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026 But everyone on the Spurs shot terribly from deep in the clutch. — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Rhymes for in the clutch

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Browse Nearby Words

in the club
in the clutch
in the cold light of day
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Cite this Entry

“In the clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20clutch. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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