cling to
The phrase "cling to" often conveys a sense of holding onto something or someone tightly, whether physically, emotionally, or ideologically.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B1Physical
(general)To hold onto something firmly with one's hands.
Example
- The child clung to the railing as the train moved.
- She clung to the edge of the cliff, afraid to look down.
B2Emotional
(general)To have a strong emotional attachment or dependence on someone.
Example
- He clung to his friends for support during his tough times.
- She clung to her mother's hand, not wanting to let go.
C1Ideological
(general)To persist in maintaining or adhering to a belief, idea, or hope.
Example
- Despite the evidence, he clung to his belief that the Earth is flat.
- She clung to the hope that her lost dog would return.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "cling to":
cling to the skirts ofhold ontoglom ontohold tohold tighthang uponstick withhang onstick tolay hold ofhold inhold withhang one ontake holdhold togetherhang withhold onhang tighthold downglom onstick togetherseize upon