What does “Succeed in the clutch” mean?

"Succeed in the clutch" means to perform well or achieve success in a critical or high-pressure situation.

What context can I use the in?

Example

The quarterback always seems to succeed in the clutch and lead his team to victory.

Example

She has a knack for staying calm under pressure and succeeding in the clutch.

Example

The sales team managed to close the deal at the last minute and succeeded in the clutch

Is “Succeed in the clutch” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Succeed in the clutch” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Succeed in the clutch” effectively in context?

You can use "Succeed in the clutch" to describe someone's ability to perform well or achieve success in a critical or high-pressure situation. It emphasizes their skill and composure under pressure. For example, if a friend always manages to excel in important exams, you might say, 'He has a talent for succeeding in the clutch.'

1Sports
The basketball player always seems to succeed in the clutch and make game-winning shots.
2Work
Despite the tight deadline, she managed to succeed in the clutch and deliver a high-quality project.
3Sales
The sales team closed the deal at the last minute and succeeded in the clutch.

Similar phrases to “Succeed in the clutch”:

Rise to the occasion

To meet a challenge or perform well in a difficult situation

Example

Despite the pressure, she rose to the occasion and delivered an excellent presentation.

Perform under pressure

To excel or succeed in a high-pressure situation

Example

The team performed under pressure and won the championship.

Deliver in critical moments

To achieve success or meet expectations in important or crucial moments

Example

He always delivers in critical moments and helps the team secure victories.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Succeed in the clutch” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Succeed in the clutch" is unknown.

Is “Succeed in the clutch” common in everyday conversation?

"Succeed in the clutch" is a common expression in everyday conversation, especially in sports-related contexts. People often use it to praise someone's ability to perform well under pressure or to describe a successful outcome in a critical situation.

What tone does “Succeed in the clutch” have?

"Succeed in the clutch" conveys a tone of admiration and recognition. It highlights someone's ability to rise to the occasion and achieve success when it matters most.

Can “Succeed in the clutch” be used in informal and formal settings?

"Succeed in the clutch" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes someone's performance in critical situations. You can use it in conversations with friends, colleagues, or in professional contexts such as presentations or interviews.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He always succeeds in the clutch and delivers outstanding results.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "succeed in the clutch"!' to express readiness for a challenging situation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

thrive under pressure
excel in crucial moments
shine in critical situations
triumph in high-pressure scenarios
achieve success when it counts

Antonyms

crack under pressure
fail in crucial moments
collapse in critical situations
choke in high-pressure scenarios
falter when it counts