clout

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [U] power and influence: political / financial clout * The World Bank can use its clout with poorer countries to insist on reforms. * I knew his opinion carried a lot of clout. 2 [C,usually sing.] (informal) a blow with the hand or a hard object: You're not too big for a clout round the ear! verb [VN] (informal) to hit sb hard, especially with your hand