clench

Everyday

1. To clench your fists or teeth means to press them tightly together. tree →
2. To clench something means to hold it very tightly. tree →

In the lessons

In stories clenched fists or a clenched jaw show that a character is angry, scared, in pain or trying hard not to cry. In everyday life people clench their teeth when they are tense; at the dentist you may be told to unclench. In PE you might clench your muscles to hold a position. Phrases: «clench your fists», «clench your teeth», «through clenched teeth».

Examples

• He clenched his fists in anger. tree →
• She clenched her teeth and kept going. tree →
• «I am fine,» he said through clenched teeth. tree →
• Try not to clench your jaw when you are worried. tree →
• The baby clenched my finger in her tiny hand. tree →
• Unclench your hands and take a deep breath. tree →
• Tom clenched the rope as he climbed. tree →
• My stomach clenched with fear. tree →
• Ugly monkeys sat high in the branches and clenched their teeth. tree →

Note

Regular verb: clenched, clenching. «Clench» is usually for fists, teeth, jaw; «clutch» or «grip» is for holding objects. Clenching your teeth a lot, even in sleep, can hurt your jaw — tell an adult if your jaw aches.