cling · verb I /klɪŋ/
cling
C2 to hold someone or something tightly, especially because you are frightened
Dictionary examples:
She was found clinging to the ledge.
I clung on to his hand in the dark.
Learner example:
I [had] clung to my father ever since I was born. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Korean)
cling (on) to sth
C2 to try very hard to keep something
Dictionary example:
He clung on to power for ten more years.
Learner example:
Instead of clinging on to your former mistakes, blaming yourself, you can ask yourself "what went wrong and how can I change it"? (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Danish)
