How do you use the word "clinch" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "clinch": Now is the time to clinch the deal. Did you clinch the deal?

Clinch

/klɪnt͡ʃ/

Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

verbTo bend and hammer the point of (a nail) so it cannot be removed.

verbTo clasp; to interlock.

Sentence Examples

Now is the time to clinch the deal.

Did you clinch the deal?

CEFR Practice Quiz

A last-minute goal helped the team ____ the championship title.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

The team needs to win this final game to officially ____ the national championship.

Word Origin & History

16th-century alteration of clench.

Literary Quotations & Historical Citations

"“Beloved shipmates, clinch the last verse of the first chapter of Jonah—‘And God had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah.’”" — 1851 November 14, Herman Melville, chapter 9, in Moby-Dick; or, The Whale, 1st American edition, New York, N.Y.: Harper & Brothers; London: Richard Bentley, →OCLC:

"Vincent Kompany was sent off after conceding a penalty that was converted by Stephen Hunt to give Wolves hope. But Adam Johnson's curling shot in stoppage time clinched the points." — 2011 October 29, Neil Johnston, “Norwich 3 - 3 Blackburn”, in BBC Sport:

"[T]ry if the heads of the nails [of horseshoes] be fast, and whether they be well clinched; if not, send presently for a smith; always stand by while the smith is employed." — 1731 (date written, published 1745), Jonathan Swift, “[Directions to Servants.] The Duty of Servants at Inns.”, in Thomas Sheridan, John Nichols, editors, The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, […], new edition, volume XVI, London: […] J[oseph] Johnson, […], published 1801, →OCLC, page 175:

"It put the U.S. on the brink of clinching a spot in the quarterfinals." — 2023 August 31, Seattle Times:

"More likely, he was letting her know that his visit this morning was not going to end in a clinch—or something steamier. It was going to be about sitting at a table, drinking coffee and talking." — 2015, Judith Arnold, Moondance:

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