clinch

clinch (klinc̸h)

transitive verb

to secure (a nail, bolt, etc. that has been driven through something) by bending or flattening the projecting end
to fasten firmly together by this means
1. to settle (an argument, bargain, etc.) definitely
2. to make sure of winning; win conclusively

Etymology: var. of clench

intransitive verb

☆ Boxing to grip the opponent's body with one or both arms so as to hinder punching effectiveness
☆ Slang to embrace

noun

1. a fastening, as with a clinched nail
2. the bent or flattened part of a clinched nail, bolt, etc.
☆ Boxing an act of clinching
☆ Slang an embrace

Object

victory: Who clinched victory for England in the Rugby World Cup final?
promotion: A place in the final would be enough to clinch promotion back into the top flight of European junior hockey for the Scots.
medal: The boys clinched a bronze medal from David Groom.
championship: Portsmouth went on to clinch the championship with three games to spare.
trophy: Liverpool under Watson also clinched the biggest ever trophy, at least in size terms in the Dewar Shield.
title: Now the Egypt girls team must clinch the title to keep the flag flying.

Adjective modifier

passionate: Selena goes to introduce herself to Kris and instead, ends up in a passionate clinch with her.
steamy: Even back in my day, few men weren't turned on by a couple of lasses in a steamy clinch.

Modifies a noun

title: Amateurs clinch title in style WHITEHAVEN clinched the Wearside League title in style as they became the first Cumbrian side to finish as champions.
nut: In addition, clinch nuts cannot be used in composites or plastics.
promotion: Brown helped the Bulls clinch promotion back to the League via the Conference play-offs during a season-long loan from Chester City.

Modifying Another Word

finally: The two fought until the final run when Wade finally clinched victory.
eventually: Promotion was eventually clinched at Blackpool; a twelfth minute shot by Kevin Horlock enough to earn the point that clinched promotion.
already: Begin with the end, where you've already clinched the sale - and 'look back ' to see HOW YOU DID IT!
just: At Friday's nail-biting finale the ' Gods just clinched it from hot contender Broken Dolls.
really: It was its unmistakable call that really clinched the identification.
then: But for the senior side to then clinch the Supplementary Cup was a real bonus.

Adjective complement

second: In the end Samantha clinched second with James third on count-back.

Used with why or when

what: Saracens hammered away but the thin white line held out despite a few scares to clinch what could prove to be a crucial win.
when: Round 2: Both now working well inside, but clinching when coming out of close work.

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