cling
Translation
to cling, to stick, to hold on
Examples
The wet clothes cling to his body.
The wet clothes cling to his body.
The child clung to her mother's leg.
The child clung to her mother's leg.
He clings to the hope of her return.
He clings to the hope of her return.
Grammar Patterns
((to sth.)) to stick to (sth.) The wet clothes cling to his body.
((to sb./sth.)) to hold on tightly to (sb./sth.) The child clung to her mother's leg.
((to sth.)) to be unwilling to lose (sth.) He clings to the hope of her return.
Similar Words
Synonyms: stick, adhere, hold; Antonyms: release, let go
Etymology
From Old English 'clingan', meaning 'to hold fast, adhere'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a monkey clinging to a tree branch. The sound 'cling' is short and tight, like the action.