C1idiompoliticsIELTS-friendly
cling to power
USUK
to refuse to give up a position of control
Usually negative, about leaders. 'Clung' is the past form. Also 'cling to office', 'cling to life' and 'cling to hope'.
In context
The president clung to power for twenty years by changing the constitution.
Leaders who cling to power often lose touch with ordinary people.
Common mistake
Incorrect: He clings on power.
Correct: He clings to power.
More idioms about politics
- a double standarda rule applied more strictly to one group than to another
- a grey areaa situation where the rules are unclear, so nobody is sure what is allowed
- a hidden agendaa secret reason or plan behind what someone says or does
- a hot potatoa difficult issue that people disagree about and nobody wants to deal with
- a lame ducka politician or government with little real power, often near the end of a term in office