Word
clutches
Phoneticsclutch·es
US/ˈkɫətʃəz/
UK/klˈʌtʃɪz/
Definition
n. the power or control that someone has over you, especially when they are cruel or dangerous. It often feels like being caught in someone's hands.
n. the power, control, or possession of a person or entity, typically implying a predatory or malevolent influence. Frequently used in the plural to describe an inescapable or threatening situation.
Examples
“The hero finally escaped from the villain's clutches.”
“The small company struggled to stay independent and avoid falling into the clutches of its larger competitor.”
“The protagonist spends the final act of the novel attempting to liberate his family from the clutches of a corrupt legal system that refuses to acknowledge their innocence.”
Examples
simple
“The hero finally escaped from the villain's clutches.”
contextual
“The small company struggled to stay independent and avoid falling into the clutches of its larger competitor.”
complex
“The protagonist spends the final act of the novel attempting to liberate his family from the clutches of a corrupt legal system that refuses to acknowledge their innocence.”
Usage
Almost exclusively used in the plural form when referring to control or power; takes a plural verb.
Pitfall
He fell into the clutch of the enemy
He fell into the clutches of the enemy
In the sense of power or control, the word is a pluralia tantum and must be used in the plural form.
Real-World Examples
“We can now turn our pity to the children of Windsor in escaping the clutches of Sabi.” “They are a model of male intimacy and understanding: confiding in each other, trusting each other, hugging each other (“real, loving hugs, clutches without irony”).” Scan code
englishreference.com/q/clutches