Clinch, as a victory WSJ Crossword Clue

Think of what turns water into a solid state, symbolizing a firm grip on success.

??? means to secure or finalize something, often used in the context of winning.

The word '???' is often used in sports and slang to mean securing or finalizing a victory, similar to how ??? solidifies something. This usage is derived from the idea of making something 'rock solid' or 'unshakeable.'

Ephemeral sculpting medium, Contents of a hotel room bucket, Lead-in to maker or breaker, Bucket fill, sometimes, One of two surfaces all Winter Olympics sports are played on, along with snow