grip1 noungrip2 verb
gripgrip1 /ɡrɪp/ ●●○ noun 
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- I lost my grip on the branch, and fell out of the tree.
- If you're going rock-climbing, make sure you wear shoes that will give you a good grip.
- It's hard to get a good grip on this box.
- She looked anxious and tightened her grip on her shoulder bag.
- Squeeze a tennis ball regularly to improve your grip.
- The policeman had a firm grip on my arm.
- These tires assure good grip and a quiet, steady ride.
- This pen has a rubber grip for your fingers.
- To play this shot, you need to change your grip on the racquet slightly.
- His arm shook and he tightened his grip on the stock of the rifle to still it.
- I had made loops to go over her wrists, I told her, so that she wouldn't lose her grip.
- Niyazov does not appear to be losing his grip.
- The bureaucratic swamp soon recovered its grip.
- The pre-tax figure was above City expectations and gave evidence that the bank is finally coming to grips with its bad-debt problem.
- The throttle twist grip on the end of the collective stick has to be coordinated with the up and down movements.
- They were so keen to get to grips with the enemy that they disregarded much of the training in stealth and guile.
- You could yell once he had his grip in.
Longman Language Activatorto control your feelings
if you control yourself or control your feelings, you continue to behave calmly and sensibly and do not become too angry, excited, or upset: control yourself/himself etc: · She was really annoying me, but I managed to control myself and not say anything.control your temper: · I wish he'd learn to control his temper.
the ability to behave calmly and sensibly and not become too angry, excited, or upset, even when you have a good reason to: · The German team showed amazing self-control throughout the game.
to manage to stay calm and not become angry, especially when someone is trying to make you angry: · I knew they were trying to annoy me but I was determined to keep my temper.· Police officers are expected to keep their tempers whatever people say to them.· It took all her patience just to keep her temper.
the ability to make yourself work hard, take a lot of exercise, not eat the wrong foods etc because you know it is good for you to do so: · I don't know if I've enough self-discipline to work full-time and go to night school.· We try to teach the children self-reliance and self-discipline.
to stop yourself doing or saying something, especially something that might have a harmful result: · I was tempted to stay for another drink, but in the end I restrained myself and went home.restrain yourself from: · So far I have managed to restrain myself from phoning up to complain.
to suddenly start to control yourself after you have been very sad or upset and make yourself feel better again: · You've been in this mood for days now -- I wish you'd snap out of it.· He's so depressed. He doesn't seem able to snap out of it at all.
spoken say this when you want someone to stop behaving in a very emotional way, especially when they are so frightened or upset that they cannot control the way they are behaving: · Come on, calm down, get a grip on yourself.· Occasionally Georgie would find Tommy crying, and he'd tell him to get a grip on himself.
spoken say this when you want someone to stop behaving emotionally, especially when you are a little annoyed or embarrassed at the way they are behaving: · Pull yourself together. It's ridiculous to get upset about such a silly little thing.· His father was not one to hand out sympathy, but would simply tell him to "pull himself together".
when you cannot control something to no longer be able to control a situation, vehicle, group of people etc: · The car skidded on the ice, and I lost control.lose control of: · She felt as if she was losing control of her children.· O'Connor recently lost control of the company he had run for seven years.
a situation that is out of control has got much worse and can no longer be controlled: · The fire was out of control.· Teenage crime was now out of control.get out of control: · It's easy to let spending on credit cards get out of control.
if something, especially a situation, gets out of hand , it gets so serious or difficult that it can no longer be controlled: · The costs have continued to increase, and now seem to be getting out of hand.· Police were called in when the situation began to get out of hand.
a situation or force that is beyond your control is one that you are not able to control, especially if someone else is controlling it or because no one can control it: · Some of the kids there were beyond any teacher's control.circumstances beyond our control (=a situation that we cannot control): · Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have had to cancel tonight's performance of "Carmen'.
to no longer be able to control a situation that you have had difficulty controlling for a long time: · By 1965, US troops in the area were beginning to lose their grip.lose your grip on something: · I was worried that Clive seemed to be losing his grip on things.
increasing or spreading in an unexpected way that cannot be controlled: · Some economists are now predicting the danger of runaway inflation.· They see technology as a runaway force that humans can no longer control.
growing, spreading or continuing very quickly, in a way that is impossible to stop - used especially in literature: · It wasn't military action but rampant disease that finally caused the population to surrender.· Corruption soon became rampant.
to grow or develop in a completely uncontrolled way: · Organized crime has been running wild since the collapse of the old regime.· She allowed her imagination to run wild.
to deal successfully with a difficult situation to deal successfully with a fairly difficult but ordinary situation: · "How did you manage while you were unemployed?'' "Luckily, I had some savings.''· I'll be away for a week, do you think you can manage on your own?· Helen was always a difficult child. None of her teachers knew how to manage her.· The seminar discusses typical work-related problems and strategies to manage them.
to succeed in dealing with difficult problems in your life, your job, or your relationships: · It's a tough job but I'm sure he'll cope.cope with: · When I got back from holiday, I had an enormous backlog of work to cope with.cope emotionally/financially/psychologically etc: · The kids were very young and it was difficult to cope financially.cope well/successfully/nicely etc: · People who cope successfully with difficult situations usually look ahead and anticipate the circumstances.
to live through an unhappy or unpleasant time in your life, and deal with the problems that it brings: · Her friends helped her to get through the first awful weeks after Bill died.
to be dealing successfully with a difficult situation at the moment: · The police have the situation under control.be under control: · The flight was very bumpy but the pilot assured us that everything was under control.bring something under control (=start to deal with it successfully): · The disease is spreading so fast that it is going to take years to bring it under control.keep something under control: · During the 1990s low oil prices helped to keep inflation under control.
especially spoken /overcome especially written to deal successfully with a problem so that it no longer exists or is not as bad: · I've always wanted to overcome my fear of spiders.· It's perfectly normal to be a bit nervous. I'm sure you'll get over it once you start your presentation.· The school overcame the problem of funding by getting local firms to sponsor them.
to consider, understand, and deal with a very difficult or important problem or situation: · The residents of the small town are still struggling to come to grips with the tragedy.· Teachers must be prepared to spend time getting to grips with new technology.· No country has really got to grips with the problem of nuclear waste.
to deal successfully with a sudden, unexpected situation or problem by trying especially hard: · We are calling on all our employees to rise to the occasion and become more efficient and productive.· The team rose to the challenge and fought back to produce another goal.rise to the challenge of something: · Naylor was one of those men who rise to the challenge of danger.
to deal with an unexpected or difficult problem calmly and confidently: · Liz seems to be taking the divorce in her stride.· Most kids get teased a bit at school - they have to learn to take it in their stride.· Nigel smiled and took the criticism in his stride.
to deal with a problem or difficult situation, by being able to ignore or forget about it: · Kate rose above all the trouble at home and did well in her classes.· Immigrants to the country were struggling to survive and rise above the poverty that surrounded them.
the way that someone holds something the way in which someone is holding something: somebody's hold on something: · I tightened my hold on the child as we crossed the busy road.tighten/loosen/relax your hold (on): · My mother relaxed, and loosened her hold on my hand.keep/have hold of: · Prevost asked me if I still had hold of my camera.· In this form of wrestling there are a number of different holds, each used in a different situation.
the way you hold something tightly: · The policeman had a firm grip on my arm.· To play this shot, you need to change your grip on the racquet slightly.lose your grip (=be unable to hold something any longer): · I lost my grip on the branch, and fell out of the tree.tighten your grip (=grip something more tightly): · She looked anxious and tightened her grip on her shoulder bag.
the way you hold something tightly, especially a part of someone's body, in order to keep them close to you: · She tried to escape Moore's grasp but he was too strong for her.tighten your grasp (=grasp something more tightly): · Helen tightened her grasp on my collar and shouted "Don't fool around with me, Mickey!''
to suffer to experience physical or emotional pain when something bad happens to you: · Children always suffer when their parents get divorced.· In all wars, it's innocent civilians who suffer most.· Anne still suffers a lot of pain in her leg.suffer from: · Two hundred million people worldwide suffer from parasitic diseases.
especially written to experience pain or have difficult or unpleasant experiences over a long period - use this especially about people who are brave and patient: · She has endured ten years of painful back operations.· They were lost in the mountains for ten days, enduring hunger, thirst, and intense cold.
to experience a lot of problems in your life over a long period of time: · Peter had lost his job, and the family was going through a very difficult time.· It's good to see Patrick looking so happy now, after all he's gone through in the last few years.
to experience a very difficult or unpleasant situation that you have no control over and cannot stop: · The hostages were eventually released after undergoing a terrifying ordeal.· He underwent major heart surgery last year.· At that time she was undergoing tremendous emotional problems following the breakup of her marriage.
to be forced to experience something very unpleasant, such as unfair or violent treatment, especially over a long time: · Black people in the area are claiming they have been subjected to repeated racial attacks from police officers.· The charity helps children who have been subjected to domestic violence and sexual abuse.
to be experiencing an extremely unpleasant or serious situation that you have no control over and cannot stop: · The Sudan was in the grip of its worst famine for 20 years.· Much of Europe was in the grip of postwar recession.
to be experiencing a difficult or unpleasant situation, especially one that continues a long time: · Kramer was in the throes of clinical depression and left the band for a while.· In the throes of the Great Depression, Franklin Roosevelt developed the economic plan called 'The New Deal'.
WORD SETSAfro, nounaftershave, nounanti-perspirant, nounastringent, adjectiveastringent, nounatomizer, nounauburn, adjectivebackcomb, verbbald, adjectivebalding, adjectivebalm, nounbarber, nounbarbershop, nounbarrette, nounbath, nounbathe, verbbeard, nounbeautician, nounbeautify, verbbeauty contest, nounbeauty mark, nounbeauty parlor, nounbeauty queen, nounbeauty salon, nounbikini line, nounblackhead, nounblond, adjectiveblonde, adjectiveblonde, nounblow-dry, verbblusher, nounbob, verbbob, nounbody, nounbody spray, nounbrilliantine, nounBrylcreem, nounbubble bath, nounbun, nounbuzzcut, nouncleanser, nouncoiffure, nouncold cream, nouncollagen, nouncologne, nouncomb, nouncomb, verbcompact, nouncomplexion, nouncondition, verbconditioner, nouncornrows, nouncosmetic, adjectivecosmetics, nouncosmetic surgery, nouncotton bud, nouncotton wool, nouncream, noundental floss, noundeodorant, noundepilatory, noundimple, noundouble chin, noundowny, adjectiveeau de cologne, nounelectrolysis, nounemery board, nounessential oil, nouneyebrow pencil, nouneyeliner, nouneye shadow, nounface cream, nounfacelift, nounface pack, nounface powder, nounfacial, nounfacial scrub, nounfalse teeth, nounflannel, nounflattop, nounfoam, nounfoundation, nounfragrance, nounfringe, noungel, noungrey, adjectivegrey, verbgrip, nounhairbrush, nounhaircut, nounhairdo, nounhairdresser, nounhairdryer, nounhairgrip, nounhairline, nounhairnet, nounhairpiece, nounhairpin, nounhair slide, nounhairspray, nounhairstyle, nounhealth farm, nounhenna, nounhighlight, verbhirsute, adjectivehydrogen peroxide, nounkinky, adjectiveknot, nounkohl, nounlacquer, nounlacquer, verblank, adjectivelanolin, nounlather, verblayer, verbliner, nounlip gloss, nounliposuction, nounlipstick, nounloofah, nounlotion, nounlowlights, nounmade-up, adjectivemake-up, nounmanicure, nounmanicured, adjectivemascara, nounmedicated, adjectivemilky, adjectivemoisturize, verbmoisturizer, nounmousse, nounmoustache, nounmoustachioed, adjectivemousy, adjectivemouthwash, nounmudbath, nounmudpack, nounmusk, nounmustachioed, adjectivemutton chop whiskers, nounmyrrh, nounnailbrush, nounnail file, nounnail polish, nounnail scissors, nounnit, nounnose job, nounoil, nounointment, nounolive, nounpaint, verbpart, nounpart, verbparting, nounpate, nounpedicure, nounperfume, nounperfume, verbperfumery, nounperm, nounperm, verbpermanent, nounpermanent wave, nounperoxide, nounpigtail, nounplait, nounpomade, nounponytail, nounpowder, verbpowder puff, nounpreen, verbprimp, verbpumice, nounquiff, nounraven, adjectiverazor, nounrecede, verbred, adjectiveredhead, nounrhinoplasty, nounroll-on, nounrosewater, nounrouge, nounscent, nounshampoo, nounshampoo, verbshave, verbshave, nounshaven, adjectiveshaver, nounshaving brush, nounshaving cream, nounshort back and sides, nounshower cap, nounshower gel, nounsideburns, nounskincare, nounslide, nounsoap, verbspa, nounspiky, adjectivesplit ends, nounspray, nounstringy, adjectivestylist, nounsunbed, nounsunblock, nounsunburn, nounsun cream, nounsunglasses, nounsunlamp, nounsunscreen, nounsunshade, nounsuntan, nounsuntan lotion, nounsun-worshipper, nounswarthy, adjectiveswept-back, adjectivetalc, nountalcum powder, nountease, verbtester, nountoilet bag, nountoiletries, nountoilet water, nountone, verbtoner, nountooth, nountoothbrush, nountoothpaste, nountoothpick, nountooth powder, nountweezers, nounvanity case, nounVaseline, nounwar paint, nounwash, nounwave, nounwave, verbwavy, adjectivewax, verbwear, verbwetting solution, nounwhisker, nounwig, nounwrinkle, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYadjectives
The sudden noise made him release his hold on her arm.
· The streets were crowded and she kept a tight grip on her bag.
· Maggie took the boy's arm in a strong grip.
(=a grip with which you can keep hold of something)· The rocks were wet and slippery and it was difficult to get a good grip.
(=a very strong grip)· Victor took hold of her wrist in an iron grip.
verbs· You need to have a good grip on your tennis racket.
(=hold something that is hard to hold firmly)· I got a good grip on the rope and pulled myself up.
· Mitch took a firm grip on her arm.
(=hold something more tightly)· She tightened her grip on her son’s hand.
(=hold something less tightly)· Lee loosened his grip on the dog’s collar.
(=let go of something)· The guard released his grip on the prisoner and pushed him into the cell.
(=accidentally let go of something)· He shoved Higgins out of the way without losing his grip on the gun.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES (=be very afraid)· We were gripped by fear as the boat was tossed around by the waves.
(=hold something firmly)· Her hands gripped the steering wheel very tightly.
(=have extreme feelings of interest in something or someone)· At 15 I met Heather and instantly fell into the grip of an obsession.
The sudden noise made him release his hold on her arm. (=control it very firmly) The former dictator still keeps a tight grip on power. Anna was determined to keep a tight hold on her feelings.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE The former dictator still keeps a tight grip on power. Anna was determined to keep a tight hold on her feelings.· The other retained its firm grip on the reins.· I took a firm grip on the wheel as I scented some-thing.· However, Dorset took a firm grip declaring at 202-3 in 54.3 overs.· I keep a firm grip on my hat and stare into the blustery abyss.· It is like trying to get a firm grip on a plateful of pudding.· He grasped Dalgliesh's hand with a firm grip but didn't speak.· She struck out blindly and found herself taken in a firm grip.· Right-wing think-tanks have an even firmer grip.
· Shifting my weight left on the layoff to get a better grip I pulled again.· I got a better grip, Lincoln testing my strength, experimenting with the power of the leash.· A new Skywalk sole with an environmentally-friendly cleat pattern gives a good grip even on slippery rocks.· Derek Jensen, best boy grip -- second unit; and Ronald Beale, chiropractor.· Some had a better grip, while others were heavier and harder for us to swing.· It's a very important part of being a good tennis player to have a good grip, very important.· I told myself to wait a second, get a better grip, try it again.
· In fact, he was getting a stronger grip on himself as he went along.· Marsden held out his hand and took hers in a strong grip, at the same time giving the faintest possible bow.· Usually players with a strong left-hand grip have a good forearm rotation because the arm is already part of the way there.· He has held a strong grip over all matters at the club, from choosing the team to financial dealings.· A graceful writer with a strong grip on story, Molly Gloss is also a writer with a political agenda.
· The humans had grown their winter coats, and the high buildings trembled in the tight grip of their stress equations.· Apple, however, kept a tight grip on its technology and suffered the consequences.· The best way for the government to achieve this is to keep a tight grip on the tigerish tendencies of the economy.· The tight grip of the Gascon nobility on the Church served their dynastic interests well.· He got the ends of the belt around his hands and wound them into a good, tight grip.· In Pomerania this reaction took the form of an even tighter grip on the feudal peasantry and serfs of the great estates.· Outside in her car she kept a tight grip on herself, refusing to let her humiliation reduce her to tears.· Anybody who thought that Bath's tight grip on the Pilkington Cup was over had better think again.
· Shifting my weight left on the layoff to get a better grip I pulled again.· I got a better grip, Lincoln testing my strength, experimenting with the power of the leash.· Give yourself a better grip by choosing sandals a half size smaller than usual.· Some had a better grip, while others were heavier and harder for us to swing.· I told myself to wait a second, get a better grip, try it again.
VERB· Anger gave her an added surge of strength, and she twisted her arm sharply downwards and broke his grip.· If we do not break the grip big business exerts on government now, we may never have the chance again.· To struggle was only to weaken himself; he could not displace the weight or break the grip that held him down.· He managed to break its grip before both animals burst through the wooden doors.· We have to become acquainted with the manifestations of fear before we can break its grip.· But of course our work will not end when we have broken the grip of the six major killer diseases.
· Those who accept the general orientation of modern science may well find considerable difficulty in coming to grips with this main point.· Down came the familiar grip, the fingers closing painfully around his arm.· However, it is possible to come to grips with the key factors to facilitate meaningful negotiation.· We are still trying to come to grips with the problems identified by the Romantics.· At that time, she was still coming to grips with her unexpected plunge into social activism.
· He eases his grip on John's hand.· She gave me a gooey smile and then eased her grip.· Deflation, the curse of farmers and wage earners, seemed ready to ease its icy grip.
· He could feel Duvall's grip on his throat relaxing, could see Duvall's poised hand lowering.· He felt her grip lessen, and heard her hit the ground.· It was as she turned to swim back that she felt the sudden grip of a pain across her back.· Lifting his arm to strike, he felt a grip of iron round his wrist, restraining him.· She was just about to call out when she felt the iron grip of an arm clasped round her throat.· That presumably meant that she wouldn't feel it when her grip slipped.
· In fact, he was getting a stronger grip on himself as he went along.· As the nation struggles to get a grip on medical costs, insurance companies have grabbed the reins.· He wakes early next morning, and gets out at once, anxious to get to grips with the city.· I told myself to wait a second, get a better grip, try it again.· The whole program works very well, I still seem to have problems in getting to grips with some areas.· Master Yehudi told her t9 get a grip on herself.· Any attempt to get to grips with silence in music inevitably begins with Cage.· She never got to grips with it and her colleagues had to help with her workload.
· His hand slid downwards, holding hers in a grip that was suddenly unbreakable.· No ism held him in its grip.· He has held a strong grip over all matters at the club, from choosing the team to financial dealings.
· They decide to go, too, but Frank has problems manoeuvring the car, whose tyres keep losing their grip.· Apple, however, kept a tight grip on its technology and suffered the consequences.· The best way for the government to achieve this is to keep a tight grip on the tigerish tendencies of the economy.· To all appearances, it kept a grip on at least 30 million Muslimsmore than the entire population of the Maghreb today.· On the first day of the conference all parties were able to keep a grip on themselves and talk calmly.· His main interest appeared to be keeping a grip on the speakership, not enacting policy.· Rohmer was still talking to himself, still keeping that vice-clamp grip on Gilbert's wrist.· Try these drive-time tips to ease your commute: Keep a relaxed grip on the steering wheel.
· The woman jabbed her cigarette into the man's face and he loosened his grip.· When I loosened my grip on him he tried to run back toward Clarisa, stumbling and crawling.· Instead, he waited until the first fierce flood of tears had passed, then loosened his grip on her a little.· I felt a shock charge through my hand and could not loosen my grip.· He made a choking noise, and Marco loosened his grip fractionally.· Richard first noticed me from across the street as he loosened his grip on the lamppost.· When there is none, he loosens his grip and turns away.· Gedge showed an extraordinary reluctance to loosen his grip on Rigby.
· He lost his grip and fell into the car's path.· If Perelman succeeded, Gutfreund, for the first time, would lose his grip on the firm.· Half way through, the film loses its grip on the day-to-day reality in Northern Ireland.· Niyazov does not appear to be losing his grip.· I had made loops to go over her wrists, I told her, so that she wouldn't lose her grip.· If the car begins to fishtail, the back wheels have lost grip.· He began a forlorn final game by losing his grip on the racket altogether.· It almost ensures that the skier will lose his or her grip on the ice, and most likely fall.
· Much stronger is 27 f5 and if 27 ... f8 then 28 f4 will maintain White's grip.· But through it all, the majestic wolf has maintained its grip on existence, albeit by some very slim margins.· He is another who has failed to maintain a grip on the advancing technology of credit and payment.
· Never for one moment does this shimmering, simmering emotional desert storm of a film relax its grip on your senses.· Weeping with merriment, gleeful through and through, she never relaxed her grip.· When he tries to say something I relax my grip.· He relaxed his grip on the mug, rolled his sleeves down, pushed his chair back.· Try these drive-time tips to ease your commute: Keep a relaxed grip on the steering wheel.· The pilots cautiously relaxed their grip and let their muscles slacken.· But attitudes of this kind took time to gain the upper hand: the past relaxed its grip only slowly.
· Tithonus directly begs the Gods to release him from their grip and let him die.· Before the audience can figure it out, I release my grip and tumble to the ground.· Then you can simply release your grip and back slowly away over a few paces.· Virginia Stillman released her grip on the chair and put her right hand under her chin.· For a split second, Constance failed to realise that he had released his grip on her.· Benton, in his terror, released his grip on her waist.· Emilia sighed and released her grip.
· Prost's second place was never likely to be challenged as Piquet struggled to find grip form his Pirellis.· As the nation struggles to get a grip on medical costs, insurance companies have grabbed the reins.· He struggled against the nightmare grip that paralysed him.
· However, Dorset took a firm grip declaring at 202-3 in 54.3 overs.· I took a firm grip on the wheel as I scented some-thing.· By the time the interval beckoned, Celtic had taken a grip on the game in midfield.· He must take a grip on himself.· She struck out blindly and found herself taken in a firm grip.· It seems, this thins out as dementia takes a grip.· Inserting his left hand, Grant took a firm grip and heaved upwards.· Don't struggle: take a grip with pincers or pliers and remove the sucker as though pulling out a nail.
· However, planning permission is required, and legislation is tightening its grip on mast sites.· His arm shook and he tightened his grip on the stock of the rifle to still it.· Unthinking, she tightened her grip and felt him laugh under her hands.· There were months of interrogations, torture and repression as the military tightened its grip on the country.· He signalled us to keep still as he stood upright, tightening the grip on his spear.· Oats tightened his grip on the axe.· Denis tightened his grip on his gun.· Instantly her hands tightened their grip.
· She sat there for nearly half an hour, staring at the wall, trying to get a grip.· He was trying to get a grip on the world.· Jessica breathed deeply, trying to get a grip.· We are still trying to come to grips with the problems identified by the Romantics.· She was trailing behind the other two and trying to get a grip on her nerves.· Mr Mugabe is trying to keep his grip on power by turning one group against another.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a vice-like grip
1firm hold [countable usually singular] the way you hold something tightly, or your ability to do this: - I remembered my first time, my trembling hand and Big Frank Connell hissing Get a grip.
- Pet could, but Wee Charlie ... Get a grip! she admonished herself, dashing her tears away.
- Why was he shaking and breathless on the corner of some disgusting back street? Get a grip on yourself, Benjamin!
- Arizona is in the grip of one of its most severe dry spells of the past century.
- Berlin is in the grip of a heatwave.
- He had only a tiny parliamentary majority, and Britain was in the grip of another economic crisis.
- He was in the grip of severe constipation and was only eating fruit in an effort to clear himself out.
- The country was in the grip of economic depression, and in June 1921 there were more than two million out of work.
- To hear some people talk you might imagine that the Republican party is in the grip of rightwing conservative zealots.
- When she spoke of Zbigniew Shapira it was as if she was in the grip of a mania.
- You are in the grip of an obsession.
- At that time, she was still coming to grips with her unexpected plunge into social activism.
- BInstitutions are just now coming to grips with the consequences.
- In my view this is an evasion of the teacher's duty to enable pupils to get to grips with academic language.
- Neither Jantzen nor McFague really gets to grips with the philosophical issues involved.
- Now he's getting to grips with his injuries.
- The whole program works very well, I still seem to have problems in getting to grips with some areas.
- Tutorials on disk are the latest way to get to grips with problem areas.
- We are still trying to come to grips with the problems identified by the Romantics.
- Unfortunately, lately her mother seems to have lost her grip on reality.
- Half way through, the film loses its grip on the day-to-day reality in Northern Ireland.
- He began a forlorn final game by losing his grip on the racket altogether.
- He lost his grip and fell into the car's path.
- I had made loops to go over her wrists, I told her, so that she wouldn't lose her grip.
- If Perelman succeeded, Gutfreund, for the first time, would lose his grip on the firm.
- Niyazov does not appear to be losing his grip.
- They decide to go, too, but Frank has problems manoeuvring the car, whose tyres keep losing their grip.
- Whilst cutting her garden hedge with a chainsaw one recent summer, a woman slipped and lost her grip.
- Damn you, get a grip on yourself.
- He must take a grip on himself.
- I got a grip on myself and made it back to my office.
- I had to get a grip on myself and put this whole wretched business behind me.
- I must get a grip on myself, she told herself firmly.
- She took a grip on herself, physically pushed back the dark, claustrophobic horror at the point of drowning.
- He eases his grip on John's hand.
- She gave me a gooey smile and then eased her grip.
- As darkness gains a firmer grip the songbirds fade and the owls start.
- As soon as one does so, its lips close around it, giving it a firm hold.
- But at current levels the shares are a firm hold.
- Choose a firm hold variant which will keep your style in place during winder weather and light drizzle.
- Clumps of sturdy weed grew wherever they could take a firm hold.
- I keep a firm grip on my hat and stare into the blustery abyss.
- It's safe but you need to have a firm grip to cut a 13-amp flex.
- Usually this happens because the task is too broadly stated to get a firm grasp on it.
- He made a choking noise, and Marco loosened his grip fractionally.
- I felt a shock charge through my hand and could not loosen my grip.
- Instead, he waited until the first fierce flood of tears had passed, then loosened his grip on her a little.
- It was on a block where he encountered three soldiers that he began to loosen his hold on the sequence.
- Richard first noticed me from across the street as he loosened his grip on the lamppost.
- The woman jabbed her cigarette into the man's face and he loosened his grip.
- When I loosened my grip on him he tried to run back toward Clarisa, stumbling and crawling.
- When there is none, he loosens his grip and turns away.
- But attitudes of this kind took time to gain the upper hand: the past relaxed its grip only slowly.
- He relaxed his grip on the mug, rolled his sleeves down, pushed his chair back.
- Never for one moment does this shimmering, simmering emotional desert storm of a film relax its grip on your senses.
- The pilots cautiously relaxed their grip and let their muscles slacken.
- Then with excruciating slowness he relaxed his hold, allowing her to back away a pace.
- Weeping with merriment, gleeful through and through, she never relaxed her grip.
- When he tries to say something I relax my grip.
- The new business manager has a tight hold on the budget.
- Apple, however, kept a tight grip on its technology and suffered the consequences.
- Dominic crept carefully down the stairs, keeping a tight hold on the gleaming mahogany banister.
- He had a tight hold on the audience, totally in command of his band.
- It should not be imagined that the tiny Party élite at either of these provincial levels could maintain a tight hold.
- She would be keeping a tight hold on her feelings from now on.
- The best way for the government to achieve this is to keep a tight grip on the tigerish tendencies of the economy.
- The purge reflects the party leadership's concern with keeping a tight hold on the political reins.
- We got up, he pushed me roughly towards the door, keeping a tight hold of me.
- He tightened his grip on the sub-machine-gun, waited for the helicopter to slow and swing towards him.
- His arm shook and he tightened his grip on the stock of the rifle to still it.
- However, planning permission is required, and legislation is tightening its grip on mast sites.
- It was only when they tensed, curling and tightening their grip on the floor, did he realise they were alive.
- Oats tightened his grip on the axe.
- The suspended despair inside her splintered into a shuddering sob and Fernando tightened his hold on her.
- There were months of interrogations, torture and repression as the military tightened its grip on the country.
- They tightened their grip on the girl.
Hold the microphone in a firm grip and keep it still. She felt her wrist caught in a vice-like grip. Don’t loosen your grip on the rope or you’ll fall. He released his grip and stepped back.2power [singular] power and control over someone or somethinghave/keep a grip on something Stalin’s determination to keep an iron grip on Eastern Europetighten/loosen/relax your grip (on something) By 1979 South Africa was tightening its grip on Namibia.tight/firm/strong/iron etc grip The recession could be avoided if business keeps a firm grip on its costs.3understanding [singular] an understanding of somethinghave/get a grip on something I’m just trying to get a grip on what’s happening. She was losing her grip on reality.4come/get to grips with something to understand or deal with something difficult: I’ve never really got to grips with this new technology.5lose your grip to become less confident and less able to deal with a situation: I don’t know what’s the matter; I think I’m losing my grip.6get/take a grip on yourself to start to improve your behaviour or control your emotions when you have been very upset: Stop being hysterical and get a grip on yourself.7get a grip spoken used in order to tell someone to control their emotions: For God’s sake get a grip!8be in the grip of something to be experiencing a very unpleasant situation that cannot be controlled or stopped: a country in the grip of famine9stop something slipping a)[countable] a special part of a handle that has a rough surface so that you can hold it firmly without it slipping: My racquet needs a new grip. b)[singular, uncountable] the ability of something to stay on a surface without slipping: boots which give a good grip10for hair [countable] British English a hairgrip11cameraman [countable] technical someone whose job is to move the cameras around while a television show or film is being made12bag [countable] old-fashioned a bag or case used for travellingCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa firm/tight grip· The streets were crowded and she kept a tight grip on her bag.a strong grip· Maggie took the boy's arm in a strong grip.a good grip (=a grip with which you can keep hold of something)· The rocks were wet and slippery and it was difficult to get a good grip.an iron/vice-like grip (=a very strong grip)· Victor took hold of her wrist in an iron grip.verbshave a grip· You need to have a good grip on your tennis racket.get a grip (=hold something that is hard to hold firmly)· I got a good grip on the rope and pulled myself up.take a grip· Mitch took a firm grip on her arm.tighten your grip/your grip tightens (=hold something more tightly)· She tightened her grip on her son’s hand.loosen/relax your grip (=hold something less tightly)· Lee loosened his grip on the dog’s collar.release your grip (=let go of something)· The guard released his grip on the prisoner and pushed him into the cell.lose your grip (=accidentally let go of something)· He shoved Higgins out of the way without losing his grip on the gun.grip1 noungrip2 verb
gripgrip2 ●●○ verb (past tense and past participle gripped, present participle gripping) WORD ORIGINgrip2
Origin:
Old English grippanVERB TABLE
grip
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | grip |
| he, she, it | grips | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | gripped |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have gripped |
| he, she, it | has gripped | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had gripped |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will grip |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have gripped |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am gripping |
| he, she, it | is gripping | |
| you, we, they | are gripping | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was gripping |
| you, we, they | were gripping | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been gripping |
| he, she, it | has been gripping | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been gripping |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be gripping |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been gripping |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- David suddenly gripped my arm and pulled me away from the road.
- He gripped the steering wheel firmly as he sped up to get on the freeway.
- His knuckles whitened as he gripped the microphone.
- I was gripped by the tragic stories of his childhood.
- Icy cold weather has gripped most of the East Coast.
- She found his hand and gripped it tightly.
- The car has wide tyres which grip the road really well.
- The university's campus is gripped by fear due to the two recent murders.
- A cool hand gripped him under each armpit.
- But he gripped my arm and I was gagged and bound.
- Five or six sparrows instantly alighted on my arms and head, gripping my skin with their bony little claws.
- Her long fingers gripped the spoon so tightly her knuckles were white.
- I gripped the banister and swung myself head over heels, then came out on the roof of a tower.
- One hand gripped my neck as he slowly entered me.
- She must have been six-teen or seventeen, and looked out at him with a poignancy that gripped his heart.
- The state has become a microcosm of the economic change that has gripped the nation.
Longman Language Activatorto hold something tightly
to put your hand around something and hold it tightly, in order to stop yourself from falling or from losing what you are holding: · We're coming up to a bumpy bit - you'd better hold on!· Just hang on as best you can and I'll try and get some help.hold/hang on to something: · Mother's not strong. She can't walk without holding on to someone's arm.· People stood hanging on to the overhead straps of the swaying subway car.hold on tight: · As the roller coaster turned upside down I shut my eyes and held on tight.· He inched across the roof, hanging on as best he could.
to hold something tightly, by pressing your fingers very hard against it: · David suddenly gripped my arm and pulled me away from the road.· His knuckles whitened as he gripped the microphone.· She found his hand and gripped it tightly.
to hold something tightly, closing your fingers around it: · "Ah!'' he cried, clutching his stomach.· A group of tourists stood clutching their phrase books.· A little girl stood clasping her mother's hand.· Sally ran out of the house, clasping her schoolbooks to her chest.
to hold on to someone or something very tightly for comfort or support: · The baby monkey clings to its mother's back until it can climb by itself.· Many children will cling to a soft blanket or toy as a substitute for their mother at night.· Rescue workers saved a 9-year-old boy who was clinging to rocks after he was swept into the ocean by the tide.
so interested that you give all your attention to something so interested in something that you give it all your attention and do not notice or pay attention to other things: absorbed in: · Penny and Sam were so absorbed in their game, that they didn't hear me call.· Dad was obviously far too absorbed in his own difficulties to be interested in mine.· I saw Bill walking across the park, absorbed in his own thoughts.
extremely interested by a book, film, event etc or by what someone is saying, so that you cannot stop reading, watching, listening etc: · It was a brilliant documentary. I sat absolutely riveted from beginning to end.· I was completely gripped as soon as I opened the book. gripped/riveted by: · We stopped the car, riveted by the sight of a village wedding in progress.
extremely interested in something such as a book or your work, so that you do not notice anything that is happening around you: · As she worked, she became so engrossed that she lost all sense of time.engrossed in: · Jane was sitting in bed, engrossed in a novel.· They appeared to be engrossed in their conversation and I didn't want to disturb them.
to be too interested in something, so that you cannot stop thinking about it or spending your time on it: · He spends all his time fiddling about with cars - he's completely obsessed.obsessed by/with: · As an artist, he was obsessed with sex and death.· People seem to be obsessed by health issues these days.become obsessed: · She became obsessed with the idea of making money.
very interested and excited by a story or by something that you see or hear, so that you give all your attention to it: · From the opening line of the play, the audience was completely enthralled.listen/watch etc enthralled: · We listened enthralled as she told us the story of her life.enthralled by: · I was completely enthralled by the world of the theatre, and knew that I wanted to act.
also mesmerised British unable to stop looking at something or listening to someone because they completely keep your attention: · She stood there mesmerized as he picked up the gun and turned it slowly towards her.mesmerized by: · It was as if the audience was completely mesmerized by the small figure on the stage.
so interested by something, especially something strange or wonderful, that you are unable to move or think of anything else: listen/watch/wait etc spellbound: · Millions of Japanese listened spellbound as they heard the Emperor speak in public for the first time.spellbound by: · On clear nights we were spellbound by the strange flickering of the Northern lights in the sky.held somebody spellbound: · The Firebird is a magical ballet that still holds audiences spellbound.
spoken to be extremely interested in what someone is telling you, and listen very carefully to it: · Tell me exactly what happened. I'm all ears.· Everyone was all ears as soon as I mentioned a cash prize.
when one thing sticks to another if something sticks to something else, it becomes joined to it when it touches it, because it has glue or a sticky substance on it: · She pressed down the flap of the envelope, but it didn't stick.stick to: · Peter was very hot, and his shirt was sticking to his back.
if two or more things stick together , they stick to each other because they have a sticky substance on them: · I spilled coffee on my book and some of the pages stuck together.· The chocolates are covered with powdered sugar to keep them from sticking together.
to stick to something firmly and without slipping, by pushing against it - used especially about tyres or shoes: · The car has wide tyres which grip the road really well.
formal to become stuck to a surface or to another object: · Peeling paint must be scraped away so that new paint will adhere.adhere to: · The machine is cleaned regularly to stop dirt adhering to the working parts.· Edam cheeses have waxed coatings which adhere tightly to the cheese.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY The woman moved closer to Beth, gripping her arm tightly.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The sudden noise made him release his hold on her arm.
The woman moved closer to Beth, gripping her arm tightly. (=be very afraid)· We were gripped by fear as the boat was tossed around by the waves.
(=hold something firmly)· Her hands gripped the steering wheel very tightly.
(=have extreme feelings of interest in something or someone)· At 15 I met Heather and instantly fell into the grip of an obsession.
The sudden noise made him release his hold on her arm. (=control it very firmly) The former dictator still keeps a tight grip on power. Anna was determined to keep a tight hold on her feelings.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB The former dictator still keeps a tight grip on power. Anna was determined to keep a tight hold on her feelings.· A frond of endive approached his lips, hovered, was gripped firmly by admirably white teeth.
· The boy rose to his feet, still gripping the banisters and staring down at the figure in the doorway.· Julie, still gripping the bloodied hammer, looked cautiously through the window by the front door.· He was still gripping a Skorpion machine-pistol.· She realised she was still gripping the stone, and dropped it with a little horrified cry.· Fear of dying still grips our hearts.· Perhaps some of us here tonight are still gripped by fear of death.· MacMillan has come a long way since 1963 but Hermanas can still grip when done as well as this.
· Sensing she was being watched, she spun round to face the doorway, the Beretta gripped tightly at arm's length.· These children often appear to be in agony as they awkwardly and ever-so-tightly grip their writing implements.
NOUN· He gripped his arms in fear, his nerves at snapping point.· Sam gripped the arm of the chair.· He might have been an ebony statue, larger than life, his hands gripping the arms of the chair.· She gripped his arm tightly with both hands.· But he gripped my arm and I was gagged and bound.· He gripped her arm and pointed imperiously to the seat and she was glad to hurry and escape from his hard hand.· She gripped my arms as she hugged me, as if to reassure herself I wasn't going to disappear.· But he gripped hard at the arms of his chair and forced himself to attend.
· A World Cup-like atmosphere grips the country.· Police and motoring organisations urged drivers to keep their speed down and take extra care as freezing fog gripped the country.
· He gripped the edge of the nearest inspection plate and ripped a quarter of it away.· Her upper body shot toward the desk, hands gripping the edges to steady her.· Bull leaned out of the window, gripping the edge of the crumbling sill with spotlessly clean hands.· I lay down and gripped the edges as the rug bubbled and rose beneath me.· He threw down the washing-up mop and stood stock-still for a moment, gripping the edge of the sink.· Maggie's stomach seemed to stay behind somewhere up above and her hands gripped the edge of the seat anxiously.· Isabel dropped to the floor where she stood, one hand gripping the edge of the bench.· Corbett stared down at his hands gripping the table edge.
· That frantic jig at least had one positive effect: it released him from the fear that had gripped him so tightly.· Still, fear grips me, compounded by self-disgust.· Never has fear gripped me so tightly, yet it was exhilarating, fantastic even.
· Four fingers were thrust, gripping, through a gap between the planks of the door.· My fingers gripped the telephone receiver; my body tensed in a familiar effort to fight the rising emotion.· He was tall and sinewy, and his fingers gripped her arms with a steely strength.· Her long fingers gripped the spoon so tightly her knuckles were white.· As his fingers gripped the knife and tugged, the blade sliced into his palm.· The fingers gripping her windpipe slackened and Irina slumped backwards against the desk and slid to the ground.· His fingers still gripped the edge of the door, his small body was pressed against it.· Her fingers were gripping her dress, and she knew that she was trembling.
· He left the bar with Maidstone's hat in his hand, gripping it firmly by the brim.· How those middle-class Sorels and Maurrases adored it-the hand that gripped the knife with authority.· One thin white hand gripped his wrist so hard that he yelped.· One hand gripped my neck as he slowly entered me.· He sat there, grim-faced, his left hand gripping the arm of his chair.· Isabel dropped to the floor where she stood, one hand gripping the edge of the bench.· One hand gripped a railing, the other drooped motionless at her side.
· Even so, collective hypochondria grips the nation.· The state has become a microcosm of the economic change that has gripped the nation.· The move comes as the agriculture crisis continues to grip the nation.· Thus, the crime epidemic now gripping the nation.· But the big soap of the time was Emergency Ward 10, which gripped the nation every Tuesday night.
· His hands gripped the rail firmly.· Cobalt, who did not know, gripped the rail.· Leonora gripped a rail with white-knuckled hands when the boat bucked as it met the wilder waters of the sound.· He gripped the landing rail with hands as large as ham-hocks.
· He shuddered at the sensation and his hands gripped her shoulders, moving with her, controlling her timing.· But Lucy gripped her shoulders and Jay explored, dizzy with longing.· Suddenly Stephen jerked his hand from her grasp and gripped her shoulder.· His fingers gripped her shoulders cruelly.
· I sit with my arms wrapped around the chrome railing and my bare heels gripping the sides.· They should grip the side of the wheel rim exactly when the brake levers are applied.
· He gripped the wheel tightly and held his face quite close to the windscreen.· But the ride keeps you gripping the wheel.· The Doctor swung himself round the door and gripped the locking wheel.· Shortly after lunch, Durkin, attired in his motoring outfit, climbed into the car and gripped the steering wheel.· Miguel stopped, gripping the wheel as he came to a red light.· But no, he thought as he gripped the wheel.· She gripped the steering wheel until her knuckles were white.
· One thin white hand gripped his wrist so hard that he yelped.· Donald Stewart the blacksmith had to grip his wrist to make him sign the paper.· She rushed into the kitchen, gripping her left wrist with her right hand.· Before he could head off for the dustbin, Elinor gripped his wrist firmly.· The door opened, and he gripped her wrist and pulled her through.· Of a sudden Lexandro's free hand gripped Valence's wrist with a power which would have crushed any ordinary bones.· Pike was talking to a waitress and gripping her wrist very tightly.
VERB· Jack felt Evans's hand grip his arm.· He felt her restraining grip on his ankles.· He watched the altimeter unwind and felt his straps grip as the desert floor swung up to face him.
· Involuntarily she reached out and gripped Bob's hand.· This advice from a simpler world had reached across centuries and gripped us both.· Evans swore beneath his breath and Jack reached out and gripped him in rebuke.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a vice-like grip
1hold tightly [transitive] to hold something very tightly: - He eases his grip on John's hand.
- She gave me a gooey smile and then eased her grip.
- As darkness gains a firmer grip the songbirds fade and the owls start.
- As soon as one does so, its lips close around it, giving it a firm hold.
- But at current levels the shares are a firm hold.
- Choose a firm hold variant which will keep your style in place during winder weather and light drizzle.
- Clumps of sturdy weed grew wherever they could take a firm hold.
- I keep a firm grip on my hat and stare into the blustery abyss.
- It's safe but you need to have a firm grip to cut a 13-amp flex.
- Usually this happens because the task is too broadly stated to get a firm grasp on it.
- He made a choking noise, and Marco loosened his grip fractionally.
- I felt a shock charge through my hand and could not loosen my grip.
- Instead, he waited until the first fierce flood of tears had passed, then loosened his grip on her a little.
- It was on a block where he encountered three soldiers that he began to loosen his hold on the sequence.
- Richard first noticed me from across the street as he loosened his grip on the lamppost.
- The woman jabbed her cigarette into the man's face and he loosened his grip.
- When I loosened my grip on him he tried to run back toward Clarisa, stumbling and crawling.
- When there is none, he loosens his grip and turns away.
- But attitudes of this kind took time to gain the upper hand: the past relaxed its grip only slowly.
- He relaxed his grip on the mug, rolled his sleeves down, pushed his chair back.
- Never for one moment does this shimmering, simmering emotional desert storm of a film relax its grip on your senses.
- The pilots cautiously relaxed their grip and let their muscles slacken.
- Then with excruciating slowness he relaxed his hold, allowing her to back away a pace.
- Weeping with merriment, gleeful through and through, she never relaxed her grip.
- When he tries to say something I relax my grip.
- The new business manager has a tight hold on the budget.
- Apple, however, kept a tight grip on its technology and suffered the consequences.
- Dominic crept carefully down the stairs, keeping a tight hold on the gleaming mahogany banister.
- He had a tight hold on the audience, totally in command of his band.
- It should not be imagined that the tiny Party élite at either of these provincial levels could maintain a tight hold.
- She would be keeping a tight hold on her feelings from now on.
- The best way for the government to achieve this is to keep a tight grip on the tigerish tendencies of the economy.
- The purge reflects the party leadership's concern with keeping a tight hold on the political reins.
- We got up, he pushed me roughly towards the door, keeping a tight hold of me.
- He tightened his grip on the sub-machine-gun, waited for the helicopter to slow and swing towards him.
- His arm shook and he tightened his grip on the stock of the rifle to still it.
- However, planning permission is required, and legislation is tightening its grip on mast sites.
- It was only when they tensed, curling and tightening their grip on the floor, did he realise they were alive.
- Oats tightened his grip on the axe.
- The suspended despair inside her splintered into a shuddering sob and Fernando tightened his hold on her.
- There were months of interrogations, torture and repression as the military tightened its grip on the country.
- They tightened their grip on the girl.
I gripped the rail and tried not to look down.grip something tightly/firmly The woman moved closer to Beth, gripping her arm tightly.2have a strong effect [transitive] to have a strong effect on someone or something: a country gripped by economic problems Panic suddenly gripped me when it was my turn to speak.3interest somebody [transitive] to hold someone’s attention and interest: a story that really grips you4not slip [intransitive, transitive] if something grips a surface, it stays on it without slipping: Radial tires grip the road well. → gripping