clinch

/klintʃ/
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clinch

The boxer uses the clinch to rest and avoid punches.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • A tight or amorous embrace: A close, firm hold, often in a loving or affectionate manner.
    • A device that holds things firmly together: A mechanical fastener, often used by carpenters, to secure objects.
    • The flattened part of a nail or bolt or rivet: The part of a fastener that has been bent over or hammered flat to secure it in place.
    • A small slip noose made with seizing: (Nautical) A knot or loop used to fasten a rope.
    • (Boxing) The act of holding an opponent: A maneuver where one boxer holds the other to prevent punches and gain a momentary rest.
  2. Verb:

    • To settle conclusively: To finalize or decide something beyond doubt.
    • To flatten the ends of nails or rivets: To secure a fastener by bending or hammering its protruding end.
    • To embrace amorously: To hold someone closely in a loving or passionate way.
    • To hold in a tight grasp: To grip something firmly.
    • To hold a boxing opponent: To grip an opponent with one or both arms to restrict their movement.
    • To secure by flattening ends: To fasten something by clinching its nails or bolts.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:

    • They shared a passionate clinch. (They shared a passionate, tight embrace.)
    • The carpenter used a metal clinch to join the beams. (The carpenter used a fastening device to join the beams.)
    • The clinch of the nail kept the board secure. (The flattened part of the nail kept the board secure.)
    • In boxing, the referee broke the clinch. (In boxing, the referee separated the fighters from their tight hold.)
  • Verb:

    • The new evidence will clinch the argument. (The new evidence will settle the argument conclusively.)
    • He used a hammer to clinch the rivet. (He used a hammer to flatten the end of the rivet.)
    • The lovers clinched on the platform. (The lovers embraced amorously on the platform.)
    • She clinched her fists in determination. (She held her fists in a tight grasp.)
    • The boxer clinched his opponent to avoid more punches. (The boxer held his opponent tightly to avoid more punches.)
    • We need to clinch these planks together. (We need to secure these planks by flattening the nail ends.)
Advanced Usage
  • "To clinch a deal": To finalize an agreement successfully.

    • They hope to clinch the deal by Friday. (They hope to finalize the agreement by Friday.)
  • "That clinches it!": An idiom meaning a fact or action that settles a matter decisively.

    • You're late again? That clinches it—you're fired. (You're late again? That settles the matter—you're fired.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Clincher (noun): A point, fact, or remark that settles a matter conclusively.
    • The final goal was the clincher for the championship. (The final goal was the decisive factor for the championship.)
Synonyms
  • Verb (to settle): Finalize, conclude, seal, secure.
  • Verb (to embrace): Hug, embrace, grasp, hold tightly.
  • Noun (embrace): Hug, embrace, squeeze.
Related Phrasal Verbs

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its meanings are typically expressed directly.)

Related Idioms
  • "Clinch a victory": To secure a win, especially at the last moment.
    • The team scored in the last minute to clinch the victory. (The team scored in the last minute to secure the win.)
clinch

The boxer uses the clinch to rest and avoid punches.

Noun
  1. a tight or amorous embrace
    • come here and give me a big hug
  2. a device (generally used by carpenters) that holds things firmly together
  3. the flattened part of a nail or bolt or rivet
  4. a small slip noose made with seizing
  5. (boxing) the act of one boxer holding onto the other to avoid being hit and to rest momentarily
Verb
  1. settle conclusively
    • clinch a deal
  2. flatten the ends (of nails and rivets)
    • the nails were clinched
  3. embrace amorously
  4. hold in a tight grasp
    • clench a steering wheel
  5. hold a boxing opponent with one or both arms so as to prevent punches
  6. secure or fasten by flattening the ends of nails or bolts
    • The girder was clinched into the wall