1. A method for generating a pattern-clip-based hotspot database for performing automatic pattern-clip-based layout verification, the method comprising: receiving a list of pattern clips which specify manufacturing hotspots to be avoided in a layout, wherein each pattern clip comprises a set of geometries in proximity to each other; consolidating the list of pattern clips into a reduced set of pattern clips, which involves merging a first pattern clip and a second pattern clip in the list of pattern clips into a third pattern clip by retaining only common features between the first and second pattern clips; for each pattern clip in the reduced set of pattern clips, perturbing the pattern clip to determine a first range of variations for the set of geometries wherein the perturbed pattern clip no longer causes a manufacturing hotspot; extracting, by computer, a set of correction guidance descriptions from the first range of variations for correcting the pattern clip; and storing the pattern clip and the set of correction guidance descriptions in the pattern-clip-based hotspot database.