English Reference

Phrasal verb

cling to

Definition

phrasal verb. to hold onto something very tightly because you are scared or do not want to lose it; it can also mean refusing to let go of a belief or hope.

phrasal verb. to adhere closely to a physical object or to maintain a tenacious attachment to an idea, memory, or belief despite changing circumstances.

Examples

“The child clings to his mother's hand in the crowd.”

“Even after the company closed, some employees continued to cling to the hope that they would get their jobs back.”

“The ancient ruins cling to the side of the cliff, defying both gravity and the relentless erosion of the coastal winds.”

Examples

simple

“The child clings to his mother's hand in the crowd.”

contextual

“Even after the company closed, some employees continued to cling to the hope that they would get their jobs back.”

complex

“The ancient ruins cling to the side of the cliff, defying both gravity and the relentless erosion of the coastal winds.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “cling to” in context.

Verb

01. cling to a belief

“Scientists often cling to a belief until new evidence proves it wrong.”

verb + prep + noun

02. cling to power

“The dictator attempted to cling to power despite losing the support of the military.”

verb + prep + noun

03. cling to the hope

“Families of the missing hikers still cling to the hope that they will be found safe.”

verb + prep + noun

04. cling to the past

“It is difficult to move forward if you constantly cling to the past.”

verb + prep + noun

Adverb

05. desperately cling to

“The survivors had to desperately cling to the side of the overturned boat.”

adv + verb

06. stubbornly cling to

“Some people stubbornly cling to outdated traditions even when they no longer make sense.”

adv + verb

Usage

usually followed by a physical object or an abstract noun like 'hope', 'belief', or 'tradition'.

Teaching tip

highlight the transition from the literal physical sense to the figurative emotional sense; it often implies a level of desperation or resistance to change.

Pitfall

He clings at his old memories.

He clings to his old memories.

the verb 'cling' always requires the preposition 'to' to connect to its object.

Phrasal verb

Particles

to

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

cling + to + object

Synonyms

hold onstick togripadhere to

Antonyms

let go ofreleaseabandon

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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