Definition

1. Noun:

   • A sure thing; something very easy or certain: A "cinch" is something that is guaranteed to happen or is very easy to accomplish.
   • A strap for holding a saddle on a horse: A "cinch" is a strong band fastened around a horse's belly to secure the saddle.
   • (Card games) A specific type of all-fours game: In some card games, "cinch" refers to a variant where players bid for the right to name the trump suit.

2. Verb:

   • To make certain; to ensure: To "cinch" something means to guarantee it or make it secure.
   • To fasten a saddle on a horse with a strap: To "cinch" means to tighten the strap (the cinch) around a horse to secure the saddle.
   • To get a firm grip on; to master: To "cinch" can mean to get control or a secure hold on something.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Passing the first test was a cinch for her. (It was very easy for her.)
  • The cowboy tightened the cinch before mounting his horse. (He tightened the saddle strap.)
  • They played a hand of cinch. (They played that specific card game.)

• Verb:

  • Her excellent qualifications cinched the job offer. (They guaranteed she would get the offer.)
  • Please cinch the saddle properly so it doesn't slip. (Please fasten the saddle strap tightly.)
  • He finally cinched the technique after hours of practice. (He finally mastered it.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have a cinch on (something)": To have a firm grasp or control over something.

  • The company has a cinch on the local market. (The company has strong control over the local market.)

• "It's a cinch.": A common expression meaning "It's very easy" or "It's a sure thing."

  • Don't worry about the exam; with your preparation, it's a cinch. (It will be very easy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cinched (adj.): Made certain or secured.

  • The deal is cinched. (The deal is finalized and certain.)

• Cinch strap (n.): Another term for the strap itself, especially on other types of gear.

  • Check the cinch strap on your backpack. (Check the tightening strap.)

Synonyms

• Noun (for "easy thing"): Breeze, snap, piece of cake, sure thing.
• Noun (for "strap"): Girth, band.
• Verb (for "ensure"): Guarantee, secure, clinch, seal.
• Verb (for "fasten"): Tighten, strap, secure.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Cinch" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meanings are typically expressed directly.)

Related Idioms

• "Lead-pipe cinch": An absolute certainty; something that is guaranteed to happen or succeed.
  • His election is a lead-pipe cinch. (His election is an absolute certainty.)

Noun

1. a form of all fours in which the players bid for the privilege of naming trumps
2. stable gear consisting of a band around a horse's belly that holds the saddle in place
3. any undertaking that is easy to do
   • marketing this product will be no picnic

Verb

1. get a grip on; get mastery of
2. make sure of
3. tie a cinch around
   • cinch horses