clenched fist
Học thuậtThân thiện
A young athlete raises a clenched fist in victory after crossing the finish line.
Definition
- Noun:
- A hand with the fingers tightly closed into the palm: This describes the physical form of a hand where the fingers are bent and pressed firmly against the palm, typically forming a solid, compact shape.
- A fist prepared for hitting: This meaning emphasizes the intent or readiness to use the clenched hand as a weapon for striking.
Usage
- The term "clenched fist" is used to describe a specific, intentional hand posture. It often conveys emotions such as anger, determination, defiance, or readiness for physical confrontation.
- It can be used literally to describe a physical action or symbolically to represent strength, protest, or solidarity.
Examples
- Literal Physical Description:
- He raised a clenched fist in anger. (His hand was tightly closed, showing he was very angry.)
- The boxer entered the ring with clenched fists. (The fighter's hands were balled up, ready to fight.)
- Symbolic or Figurative Use:
- The symbol of the clenched fist is often used in movements for social justice. (The image represents unity, power, and resistance.)
- She listened to the unfair verdict with a clenched fist hidden under the table. (This suggests she was holding back strong emotions like anger or frustration.)
Advanced Usage
- "To make a clenched fist": The act of closing one's hand into this specific form.
- Make a clenched fist and then slowly release it.
- "Clenched-fist salute": A gesture of raising a clenched fist, often used as a symbol of solidarity, defiance, or political protest.
- The athletes gave a clenched-fist salute on the podium.
Variants and Related Words
- Fist (n): The hand when the fingers are clenched in the palm. ("Clenched fist" is a more descriptive phrase emphasizing the tightness of the grip.)
- Clench (v): To close or hold something very tightly, especially your hand or teeth.
- He clenched his jaw in frustration.
- Ball your fist: An informal phrase with a similar meaning to "make a clenched fist."
- She balled her fist in determination.
Synonyms
- Ball: (as in "to ball one's fist") To form into a tight round shape.
- Closed fist: A simpler, less intense synonym.
- Gripped fist: Emphasizes the act of holding tightly.
Related Phrases
- Clench one's fist: The verb phrase describing the action.
- He clenched his fist so hard his knuckles turned white.
- With fists clenched: A descriptive adverbial phrase.
- She stood there with fists clenched, ready to argue.
Related Idioms
- Rule with an iron fist: To govern or control in a very strict and often cruel way.
- The dictator ruled the country with an iron fist.
- Hand over fist: To make money or progress very rapidly.
- The new business is earning money hand over fist. (Note: This idiom does not involve the physical posture of a clenched fist but originates from climbing a rope hand over hand.)
A young athlete raises a clenched fist in victory after crossing the finish line.
Noun
- a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)