In the grip of something

phrase

Being strongly affected by something or unable to escape from it.

The country is currently in the grip of a severe economic crisis.
Visual representation of "in the grip of something" - Being strongly affected by something or unable to escape from it

Often appears as...

  • in the grip of a crisis
  • in the grip of fear

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Being firmly held, physically, by something or someone.

Harry was in the grip of the large man's strong hands and could hardly breathe.
Visual representation of "in the grip of something" - Being firmly held, physically, by something or someone

Often appears as...

  • in the grip of his hand
  • in the grip of a vice
phrase

Being strongly affected by something or unable to escape from it.

The country is currently in the grip of a severe economic crisis.
Visual representation of "in the grip of something" - Being strongly affected by something or unable to escape from it

Often appears as...

  • in the grip of a crisis
  • in the grip of fear

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Being firmly held, physically, by something or someone.

Harry was in the grip of the large man's strong hands and could hardly breathe.
Visual representation of "in the grip of something" - Being firmly held, physically, by something or someone

Often appears as...

  • in the grip of his hand
  • in the grip of a vice
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "in the grip of something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Intensity

Indicates a strong, often negative, emotional state that is overwhelming.

Illustration for Emotional Intensity
She was in the grip of despair after losing her job.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Lack of Control

Suggests a situation where someone has little or no control over what is happening.

Illustration for Lack of Control
The village was in the grip of the flood waters.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Use

Often used metaphorically rather than literally to describe concepts like time periods or events.

Illustration for Figurative Use
We are in the grip of winter's chill.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Intensity

Indicates a strong, often negative, emotional state that is overwhelming.

Illustration for Emotional Intensity
She was in the grip of despair after losing her job.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Lack of Control

Suggests a situation where someone has little or no control over what is happening.

Illustration for Lack of Control
The village was in the grip of the flood waters.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Use

Often used metaphorically rather than literally to describe concepts like time periods or events.

Illustration for Figurative Use
We are in the grip of winter's chill.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Intensity

Indicates a strong, often negative, emotional state that is overwhelming.

Illustration for Emotional Intensity
She was in the grip of despair after losing her job.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Lack of Control

Suggests a situation where someone has little or no control over what is happening.

Illustration for Lack of Control
The village was in the grip of the flood waters.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Use

Often used metaphorically rather than literally to describe concepts like time periods or events.

Illustration for Figurative Use
We are in the grip of winter's chill.
Visual representation of the word "In the grip of something"

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