claw away

1. To scratch or tear continuously with or as with claws. The kitten looked so cute, but it clawed away at my face the moment I picked it up. OK, Fluffy, let's not claw away at the furniture! Please, that leopard would claw away at you two seconds after you dropped into its enclosure.

2. To remove or tear away something with a violent tearing action, as with claws. A noun or pronoun can be used between "claw" and "away." The children clawed away the wrapping paper on their presents. You're supposed to preserving these documents, so don't claw away at the packaging like that! Is this painting project ever going to be done? I'm so ready to claw away at the rosin paper on the floor and start moving all the furniture back in here.

3. obsolete To berate, rebuke, or criticize someone very harshly or scornfully. A noun or pronoun can be used between "claw" and "away." I'm not surprised that Lady Margaret clawed you away, given your reprehensible behavior. You're the one who left the horses out in the rain? My goodness, Father is going to claw you away. I truly love John, so I hope my prospective in-laws don't claw my parents away for my meager dowry.