One of the mysteries of the English language finally explained.
Synonyms of clout in English:
clout
See definition of clout
noun
1‘I gave him a clout on the ear’
SYNONYMS
smack, slap, thump, punch, blow, hit, knock, bang, cuff, box, spanking, spank, tap, clip
whack, wallop, clobbering, sock
2‘the negotiating clout of a large business’
SYNONYMS
influence, power, pull, weight, sway, leverage, control, say, mastery, dominance, domination, advantage
authority, prestige, standing, stature, rank
teeth, beef, muscle
verb
1‘he started to clout me around the head’
SYNONYMS
hit, strike, punch, smack, slap, cuff, thump, beat, batter, pound, pummel, thrash, rap, spank, buffet, hammer, bang, knock, box someone's ears
wallop, belt, whack, clobber, sock, clip, bop, biff, swipe, tan, lay one on