Phrasal verb
cling on to
Definition
phrasal verb. to hold something very tightly because you are afraid or do not want to lose it.
phrasal verb. to maintain a firm physical or metaphorical grip on something; often implies a sense of desperation, insecurity, or resistance to change.
Examples
“The child clings on to his mother's hand in the crowd.”
“Despite the company's failing profits, the CEO tried to cling on to his position of power.”
“The survivors managed to cling on to the wreckage for several hours before the rescue helicopter finally spotted them in the dark water.”
Examples
simple
“The child clings on to his mother's hand in the crowd.”
contextual
“Despite the company's failing profits, the CEO tried to cling on to his position of power.”
complex
“The survivors managed to cling on to the wreckage for several hours before the rescue helicopter finally spotted them in the dark water.”
Usage
often used with abstract nouns like power, hope, or beliefs to show a refusal to let go.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'cling to' (without 'on'); 'cling on to' often emphasizes the effort or struggle involved in maintaining the hold.
Pitfall
He clings on his old ideas.
He clings on to his old ideas.
the preposition 'to' must follow 'on' to connect the verb to the object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on to
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
cling + on + to + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/cling-on-to