Word
clinch
US/ˈkɫɪntʃ/
UK/klˈɪntʃ/
Definition
v. to finally win or settle something after a lot of effort. You use this when you successfully finish a deal or a competition.
v. to settle or finalise a deal, argument, or competition decisively. Often implies the successful conclusion of a period of negotiation or struggle.
Examples
“They managed to clinch the deal at the last minute.”
“The striker scored a late goal to clinch the championship for his team after a difficult season.”
“After weeks of intense negotiations and several failed proposals, the diplomat finally managed to clinch a peace treaty that satisfied both nations' core demands.”
Examples
simple
“They managed to clinch the deal at the last minute.”
contextual
“The striker scored a late goal to clinch the championship for his team after a difficult season.”
complex
“After weeks of intense negotiations and several failed proposals, the diplomat finally managed to clinch a peace treaty that satisfied both nations' core demands.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as 'a deal', 'a victory', or 'a title'.
Real-World Examples
“In the second set, Rybakina, 27, was unable to break world number eight Swiatek, and the Polish player clinched her 26th career title in one hour and 15 minutes.” “And the Briton kept her promise with a composed performance that ended with her powering through the final 40m to beat her competitors and clinch gold.” Etymology
16th-century alteration of clench.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/clinch