<p><strong>noun</strong></p><ul><li>a strong girth used on stock saddles, having a ring at each end to which a strap running from the saddle is secured.</li><li>a firm hold or tight grip.</li><li>Informal: something sure or easy; e.g., "This problem is a cinch."</li><li>a person or thing certain to fulfill an expectation, especially a team or contestant certain to win a sporting event; e.g., "The Giants are a cinch to win Sunday's game."</li></ul><p><strong>verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) to gird with a cinch; gird or bind firmly.</li><li>Informal: to seize on or make sure of; guarantee; e.g., "Ability and hard work cinched her success."</li></ul>