cling on

present singular third person clings on · participle present clinging on · participle past clung on · past clung on

1. figurativelysometimesTo hold on tightly; to grip hard or adhere.

   In a summation of changed times, we have a lost station site in Bournemouth (now occupied by a coach park) as well as its former hotel (still clinging on as apartments).

   2021 December 29, Stephen Roberts, “Stories and facts behind railway plaques: Bournemouth (circa 1880)”, in RAIL, number 947, page 59

   1 more example

   And although they were pushed harder than even Lennon might have expected on a night of galeforce winds, they clung on to the lead Ledley gave them for all they were worth until their rivals had blown themselves out and surrendered top spot.

   2011 December 29, Keith Jackson, “SPL: Celtic 1 Rangers 0”, in Daily Record