fall into
She fell into the clutches of the rebel forces.

escape (from)

in sb''s ~
They had him in their clutches.

out of sb''s ~
Once she was out of their clutches, she fled across the border.

drop, engage, put your foot on | disengage, let in/out, release, take your foot off
Put it into first gear and let the clutch out slowly.

ride
(= to keep in a state between full engagement and disengagement) The driver at the traffic lights was riding his clutch.

engage | disengage | slip

pedal

firmly, tightly | desperately

at
He felt himself slipping and clutched at a branch.

clutch sth in your hand
She clutched her handbag tightly in one hand.

clutch sth to your chest
She clutched the letter to her chest.