Word
clincher
Phoneticsclinch·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɫɪntʃɝ/
UK/klˈɪntʃɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the final fact, argument, or event that settles a disagreement or makes a decision certain. It is the thing that finally wins a game or proves a point.
n. a fact, argument, or event that settles a matter conclusively. Often refers to the final point in a debate or the winning play in a competition.
Examples
“The low price was the clincher that made me buy the car.”
“Both candidates performed well, but the incumbent's plan for tax reform proved to be the clincher for undecided voters.”
“While the prosecution presented several pieces of circumstantial evidence, the DNA results served as the ultimate clincher, leaving the jury with no choice but to convict.”
Examples
simple
“The low price was the clincher that made me buy the car.”
contextual
“Both candidates performed well, but the incumbent's plan for tax reform proved to be the clincher for undecided voters.”
complex
“While the prosecution presented several pieces of circumstantial evidence, the DNA results served as the ultimate clincher, leaving the jury with no choice but to convict.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “clincher” in context.
Verb
01. clincher comes
“The clincher comes when you realize how much money you will save on taxes.”
noun + verb
02. deliver clincher
“She delivered the clincher in the final minute of the debate, leaving her opponent speechless.”
verb + noun
03. provide clincher
“The DNA evidence provided the clincher the prosecution needed for a conviction.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. final clincher
“His last-minute goal served as the final clincher for the championship title.”
adj + noun
05. real clincher
“The low price was the real clincher that made us decide to buy the house.”
adj + noun
06. ultimate clincher
“The company's generous pension scheme proved to be the ultimate clincher for the candidate.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. bit of clincher
“The fact that the car comes with a five-year warranty is a bit of a clincher.”
noun + prep + noun
08. act as the clincher
“The stunning view from the balcony acted as the clincher for the potential buyers.”
09. prove to be the clincher
“The free health insurance proved to be the clincher in his decision to accept the job.”
Usage
Commonly used with the definite article 'the' to identify a specific deciding factor.
Real-World Examples
“A pair of Brazilians secured club history, with Evanilson’s first-half header followed by Rayan’s later drive, a clincher coming just as the Austrian visitors were pushing hard for an equaliser.” “The second, at the end of the preface, is the clincher – proof that Stephenson, who died in Bermuda in 1989, was integral to the creation of the fictional secret agent at the centre of the most enduring movie franchise in history.” “Simply knowing how to be comfortable with a knife and fork can be a deal clincher,” said James Hebbert, who represents Seatton, a British etiquette school in China.” “Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales already sees about 350 major trauma patients a year and is making the case that its specialist expertise at dealing with severe head injuries could be a clincher.” Etymology
From clinch + -er, first recorded in the late 16th century for one who fastens a nail by hammering the point over. By 1731, the term was applied to a point or argument that settles a matter conclusively.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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
- Rare
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/clincher