clout off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clout off" is not correct and does not appear to be a usable expression in written English.
It seems to be an incomplete or incorrect formulation, and without additional context, it is unclear how it could be used. Example: "He tried to clout off his competitors, but it didn't work."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Kelly Johnson hit his 100th career home run, a solo clout off Clay Rapada in the seventh, and knocked in two runs.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Clout pays off again.

The New York Times

So far, there is no evidence that individual groups have the clout to switch off the insurgency, even in limited areas.

The Economist

Nor does he have the political clout to carry off a revolution, because of the power of "these regional governors, these conservative guys who don't want to move, who will fight him," she said.

The New York Times

That view is echoed by a number of Beijing-based political analysts and scholars, some of whom have worried publicly that China may not have enough clout to ward off a larger war that could send many more refugees pouring into China.

The New York Times

So establishing a development bank that will unite this grouping and give the Brics some clout could pay off both politically and economically.

BBC

You might think that with the clout of The Delgados and their dedicated fanbase behind her, she could almost step into where she had left off.

Independent

When they reached his place, they found that the professor had also ended up inviting 20 other people in an attempt to show off his clout, that he knew John F. Kennedy's son.

The New York Times

To give up completely his trump stake is as good as to be stripped off his clout as the supreme leader.Indeed, to dismantle Yongbyon will be a slow and painful process.

The Economist

In 2009 she did not agree to vote for Obamacare until she won a $300m sweetener that Republicans dubbed the "Louisiana Purchase".Yet her latest attempt to show off her clout ended in humiliation.

The Economist

Unless Prince had this crazy, inflated ego and just wanted to show off his clout (which I don't see as the case), it seems to me like he was giving his girlfriends, fiances and wives what he knew they wanted.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the questionable phrase "clout off", opt for more established and grammatically sound alternatives such as "exert influence", "wield power", or "have influence" to convey the intended meaning effectively.

Common error

Avoid combining "clout" with "off" as it does not form a standard or widely recognized idiomatic expression. Ensure that when using "clout", it's in a grammatically correct context such as "political clout" or "economic clout".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clout off" is not a standard grammatical construction. While "clout" functions as a noun denoting influence, the addition of "off" doesn't create a recognized phrasal verb or idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its limited and questionable usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clout off" is not a standard or grammatically correct phrase in English. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it is rarely used, and it's advisable to avoid it in formal writing. Instead, consider using more appropriate alternatives such as "exert influence", "wield power", or "have influence" to convey the intended meaning of applying or diminishing influence clearly. While "clout" itself is a valid term, combining it with "off" creates an expression that lacks established usage and may cause confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have influence

A direct statement about possessing the ability to affect something.

exert influence

Focuses on the action of applying influence, emphasizing the active role in affecting a situation.

bring to bear influence

Suggests a deliberate application of influence towards a specific goal.

wield power

Highlights the possession and utilization of power, suggesting control and authority.

exercise authority

Stresses the formal right and ability to give orders and enforce obedience.

hold sway

Emphasizes the extent of influence, suggesting a dominant or persuasive effect.

use leverage

Highlights the strategic use of a position or resource to gain an advantage.

carry weight

Indicates that someone's opinion or action is significant and impactful.

capitalize on influence

Focuses on benefiting from existing influence to achieve a desired outcome.

exploit power

Emphasizes the action of using power, often with a negative connotation of taking advantage of someone.

FAQs

What does "clout" mean?

"Clout" refers to influence or power, especially in politics or business. It suggests having the ability to affect decisions or actions.

Is "clout off" a correct phrase?

No, "clout off" is not a recognized or grammatically correct phrase in standard English. It's better to use alternative expressions to convey your intended meaning.

What can I say instead of "clout off"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "exert influence", "wield power", or simply "have influence" to express the idea of having an effect or impact. For example, instead of saying "He tried to clout off his competitors", you could say "He tried to "exert influence" over his competitors".

How can I use "clout" correctly in a sentence?

Use "clout" as a noun to describe someone's influence or power. For instance, "The senator has a lot of "political clout"" or "The company's economic clout is growing rapidly".