cling
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to hold onto something or someone very tightly so that you do not fall or lose them.
v.to grip or hold on tightly to something, often to prevent falling or separation.
Simple“The small child clung to his mother's hand in the crowded station.”
In context“Survivors of the shipwreck clung to pieces of floating debris for hours before the rescue helicopter arrived at dawn.”
UsageUsually takes the preposition 'to'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to stick to a surface or follow the shape of something.
v.to adhere closely to a surface, often following its contours through moisture, static, or texture.
Simple“His wet shirt clung to his back after he ran through the rain.”
In context“The plastic wrap is designed to cling to the edges of the bowl, creating an airtight seal to keep the food fresh.”
UsageOften used to describe how wet or thin clothing fits the body.
- 03 C1 Advanced
v.to refuse to let go of a belief, a hope, or a person because you need them.
v.to remain emotionally or mentally attached to something, often out of fear, desperation, or loyalty.
Simple“Even after many years, she still clung to the hope that her brother was alive.”
In context“The aging politician clung to power long after his party had lost the support of the general public.”
UsageTakes the preposition 'to'.
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a thin, clear plastic film used to cover food and keep it fresh.
n.A thin, transparent plastic film that adheres to surfaces; a shortened form of 'cling film'.
Simple“Cover the leftovers with some cling before putting them in the fridge.”
In context“The chef insisted on using high-quality cling to ensure the prepared ingredients did not dry out during the busy service.”
Synonymsplastic wrapcling film
“As the ball flew towards the back post, Pacho clung to Madjo for dear life, but the teenager kept him at arm’s length to ripple the net.”
“Before the breakout, he said, he’d “wanted to cling to life.” Once the group decided to act, however, Yamada felt resigned to his fate.”
From Middle English clingen, from Old English clingan (“to adhere”), from Proto-West Germanic klingan, from Proto-Germanic klinganą. Cognate with Danish klynge (“to cluster, to crowd”). Compare clump.
Imitative; compare clink, clang.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.