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

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.
See also: death, grim, hold, like, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • hang on to (someone or something) like grim death
  • hold on to (someone or something) like grim death
  • hang on like grim death
  • like grim death
  • grab on to (someone or something)
  • grab on
  • relax
  • relax (one's) hold on (someone or something)
  • relax hold on
  • relaxed