Cling Meaning
Cling Definition & Usage
To adhere closely to something or someone, usually with force or determination.
Examples
- "The child clung to her mother's side as they walked through the crowded street."
- "He clung to the cliffside, desperate not to fall."
- "The wet clothes clung to his skin after the heavy rain."
- "I could feel the sweat clinging to my back during the hike."
- "She clung to the hope that her efforts would eventually pay off."
To remain emotionally or mentally attached to something or someone, often to an unhealthy degree.
Examples
- "After the breakup, he clung to the memories of their time together."
- "She clung to the idea of success, even when the odds were against her."
- "He clung to the belief that things would improve, despite the evidence to the contrary."
- "In difficult times, we often cling to our past experiences for comfort."
- "The idea of failure was something he couldn't cling to any longer."
To hold on desperately, often in a situation of danger or survival.
Examples
- "The survivor clung to the wreckage, hoping for rescue."
- "She clung to the edge of the boat as the storm raged around her."
- "The injured animal clung to life, despite the severity of its wounds."
- "He clung to the last strands of hope as the rescue team searched for him."
- "The climber clung to the narrow ledge, struggling to regain his footing."
Cultural Context
The word 'cling' has evolved from its Old English roots, reflecting both physical attachment and emotional dependency. In modern usage, it is commonly associated with both physical acts (such as holding onto objects) and emotional attachments, particularly in contexts where someone refuses to let go or is heavily dependent on someone or something.
The Last Hope
Story
The Last Hope
Sarah stood on the edge of the cliff, gripping the rope with all the strength she had left. The storm had come out of nowhere, and now, clinging to the jagged rock face, she was the last one remaining. She could hear the wind howling in her ears, and the rain soaked her to the bone, making the rope slippery. Her fingers were numb, but she clung to the hope that rescue would come. Just moments ago, she had lost her best friend to the waves below, and now all she had left was this rope and the fading light in the sky. As the minutes dragged on, Sarah felt herself growing weaker. The cold was creeping into her bones, and the exhaustion was unbearable. But she clung to the rope, to the idea that somehow, she could survive. "Hold on, Sarah," she whispered to herself, "hold on." It was the only thought keeping her from letting go. Her life depended on it. As the storm raged around her, Sarah thought of her family, of her friends. She clung to the memories of better days, moments of joy she never thought she'd lose. As the wind howled louder and the clouds closed in, Sarah's grip faltered. But just as she thought she would fall, a hand reached down from above. A rescue team had finally found her. She clung to their hands as they pulled her to safety, her heart filled with relief and gratitude. In that moment, Sarah realized that sometimes, holding on is the only thing that keeps us alive, whether it's to a rope, a hope, or a memory.
Related Words
