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."
inseparable
cling on
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To hold onto something or someone tightly, especially because of fear, difficulty, or desperation; to maintain a position with difficulty.
In plain English
To hold on very tightly when you are scared or might fall; or to keep going even when it's very hard.
What does "cling on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To grip something tightly so as not to fall or be separated.
Actually means
To hold on very tightly when you are scared or might fall; or to keep going even when it's very hard.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "cling on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
power hope lead life position job survival
How to conjugate "cling on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "cling on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "cling on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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