hang on/hold on like grim death

hang on to (someone or something) like grim death

To clutch someone or something very tightly, usually to avoid falling. After the ladder tipped over, I hung on to the roof like grim death so that I didn't fall. When my foot slipped, I found myself hanging on to the edge of the cliff like grim death. Small animals and bits of vegetation hang on to even the sheerest of cliff faces like grim death.

See also: death, grim, hang, like, on, to

hold on to (someone or something) like grim death

To clutch someone or something very tightly, usually to avoid falling. After the ladder tipped over, I held on to the roof like grim death so that I didn't fall. The hiker had to hold on to a root like grim death while she waited for the rescue crew. When the dentist motioned us back into the examination room, my daughter held on to me like grim death.

See also: death, grim, hold, like, on, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

hang on/hold on (to somebody/something) like grim ˈdeath

hold somebody/something very tightly, usually because you are afraid or determined not to let go: As the horse galloped off, you could see poor Sarah hanging on like grim death. ♢ The robbers tried to steal my bag, but I held on to it like grim death.

The word grim (= very serious or unpleasant) is often used to describe death.

See also: death, grim, hang, hold, like, on

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