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REFERENCE

clash

n. · v.
US //ˈkɫæʃ// UK //klˈæʃ// clash
  1. 1 a fight or argument (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a short fight between groups or a serious argument between people with different ideas.

    a skirmish or hostile encounter between opposing groups; also a sharp conflict between differing views or interests.

    Example

    There was a violent clash between the protesters and the police outside the building.

    Example

    The policy debate was marked by a fundamental clash of ideologies regarding the role of the state in private enterprise.
  2. 2 a sports match (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    an important game or competition between two teams.

    a competitive encounter between two teams or individuals, often used when the stakes are high.

    Example

    Fans are excited for the big clash between the two top teams this weekend.

    Example

    The upcoming clash in the quarter-finals is expected to draw record television audiences across the continent.
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  1. 3 a loud noise (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a loud, sharp sound made when metal objects hit each other.

    a loud, resonant sound produced by the forceful impact of metal objects.

    Example

    The clash of the cymbals marked the end of the musical performance.

    Example

    The sudden clash of steel against steel echoed through the courtyard as the training exercise began.
  2. 4 to happen at the same time (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to happen at the same time as something else, so you cannot do both.

    to coincide in time, making it impossible for a person to attend or participate in both events.

    Example

    I want to go to the party, but it clashes with my evening class.

    Example

    The conference schedule is problematic because several of the most popular workshops clash with the keynote address.
  3. 5 to look bad together (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to look very bad together because the colours or styles are too different.

    to fail to harmonize or look attractive when paired, particularly regarding colours or patterns.

    Example

    That bright orange shirt really clashes with your purple trousers.

    Example

    The interior designer warned that the bold wallpaper would clash with the existing antique furniture.
  4. 6 gossip (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Dialect

    casual talk or gossip about other people.

    idle chatter or gossip; social talk about the affairs of others.

    Example

    She went over to her neighbour's house for a bit of clash and a cup of tea.

    Example

    The local pub was always filled with the clash of the village, where every secret eventually came to light.

    Usage

    Common in Scottish English as both a noun and a verb.
Origin

Of onomatopoeic origin. Compare Saterland Frisian klatskje (“to smack, slap”), West Frisian kletse, kletskje, Dutch kletsen (“to smack, slap, clash”), German Low German klattsen, klatsken (“to smack, splash”), German klatschen (“to clap, smack, slap”) and Klatsch (“a clapping sound; the din resulting from two or more things colliding”), Danish klaske (“to clash, splatter”).

Idioms1 entry

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