Holding on tightly (8)
![Ross](/clue/static/ross-mug.min.png)
I believe the answer is:
clinging
'holding on tightly' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for clinging that I've seen before include "Hold on tightly or tenaciously" , "Hanging on to, or adhering" , "Holding on tightly" .)