1. (通常因害怕或担心)紧握，紧抓
    If you clutch at something or clutch something, you hold it tightly, usually because you are afraid or anxious.

    e.g. I staggered and had to clutch at a chair for support...
           我踉踉跄跄地，不得不抓住一把椅子稳住自己。
    e.g. She was clutching a photograph.
           她紧紧抓着一张照片。

2. 控制;掌握;势力范围
    If someone is in another person's clutches, that person has captured them or has power over them.

    e.g. Tony fell into the clutches of an attractive American who introduced him to drugs...
           托尼落入了一个英俊的美国人的控制中，这个人引他走上了吸毒之路。
    e.g. Stojanovic escaped their clutches by jumping from a moving vehicle.
           斯托扬诺维奇从正在行驶的车上跳了下去，逃出了他们的掌心。

3. (车辆的)离合器踏板
    In a vehicle, the clutch is the pedal that you press before you change gear.

    e.g. Laura let out the clutch and pulled slowly away down the drive.
           劳拉松开离合器踏板，沿车道慢慢驶离。

4. 一窝(蛋)
    A clutch of eggs is a number of eggs laid by a bird at one time.

    e.g. ...the second clutch of eggs.
           第二窝蛋

5. 一小群;一小簇
    A clutch of people or things is a small group of them.

    e.g. The party has attracted a clutch of young southern liberals.
           聚会吸引了一群南部的年轻开明人士。
    e.g. ...a clutch of songs about adolescent experiences.
           一组有关青少年经历的歌曲

6. to clutch at straws -> see straw