← Back to Fala2Me

clutch

[/klʌtʃ/]
noun/verbpl: clutches
embreagem (noun - automotive); agarrar/apertar (verb)
1. A device in a vehicle that engages and disengages the engine from the transmission
I pressed the clutch pedal to change gears.
Pressionar o pedal da embreagem para trocar de marcha.
2. To grasp or hold firmly and tightly
She clutched her purse nervously.
Ela agarrou sua bolsa nervosamente.
3. A critical or important moment; a situation requiring a decisive action
He scored in the clutch to win the game.
Ele marcou no momento decisivo para ganhar o jogo.
4. A small handbag or pouch
She carried a black clutch to the party.
Ela levou uma bolsa pequena preta à festa.
NYC Slang
in the clutch - performing well under pressure
Synonyms
gripgraspseizeholdembrace
Antonyms
releasedroplet go

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
embreagem
Most common term for the automotive component
Portugal
embraiagem
Portuguese variant spelling for the automotive component
General Brazilian
bolsa de mão
Term for small handbag in Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
mala de mão
Term for small handbag in European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

in the clutch - at a critical moment
clutch player - someone who performs well under pressure
clutch performance - an excellent performance in a crucial situation
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →