cling on
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To hold on very tightly when you are scared or might fall; or to keep going even when it's very hard.
Literal meaning: To grip something tightly so as not to fall or be separated.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To hold on tightly to something or someone, especially in a dangerous or precarious situation.
"She clung on to the rope with both hands as the current tried to drag her under."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To maintain a position, lead, or status with great difficulty under pressure.
"The defending champions clung on for a 1-0 victory despite being down to ten men."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Conveys difficulty and desperation. Common in sports commentary (a team clinging on for a draw) and in descriptions of people holding positions of power. Also used literally for physically gripping something.
Commonly used with
power hope lead life position job survival
Forms
Base
cling on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
clings on
he/she/it
Past simple
clinged on
yesterday
Past participle
clinged on
have + pp
-ing form
clinging on
continuous
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