Literal meaning (to split or divide):
* The lumberjack used an axe to cleave the log in half.
* The lightning cleaved the tree, leaving it in two pieces.
* The surgeon carefully cleaved the muscle tissue to reach the damaged artery.
Figurative meaning (to adhere closely):
* She cleaves to her principles, even when it's difficult.
* The young boy cleaved to his mother's side, afraid of the dark.
* The team cleaved to their game plan, despite the challenges.
Other examples:
* The mountain climber cleaved his way through the ice and snow.
* Her words cleaved through the silence, making everyone listen.
* The two friends cleaved to each other through thick and thin.
Note: "Cleave" can also be used as a past tense verb, meaning "to have split or divided."
For example: "The axe had cleaved the log in two."