cling to
To hold someone or something very tightly; or to keep believing something even when it's difficult.
Meanings
To hold tightly to someone or something, usually out of fear, love, or insecurity.
"The frightened child clung to her mother's hand as they entered the hospital."
To refuse to abandon a belief, hope, idea, or way of life, even when it is fading or challenged.
"He clung to the hope that she would change her mind, even after months of silence."
"We will cling to the hope that tomorrow will bring better news."
— General usage widely attributed to Winston Churchill's wartime speeches; similar phrasing in many recorded addresses, 1940–1941
(of clothing or material) To fit very tightly against the body or a surface.
"The wet shirt clung to his back in the summer heat."
Both the literal and figurative senses are very common. Figuratively, it often implies that what someone clings to is fading, outdated, or no longer realistic (cling to hope, cling to the past). Often carries emotional weight.
Commonly used with
Forms
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