(one's) claws are showing
One has become particularly aggressive, confrontational, or spiteful. I think you need to calm down, Janet—your claws are showing. A few people's claws were showing, so I thought it was high time we got out of that party. OK, no good will come of calling them while your claws are showing—why don't you wait till you're a little calmer?
cat's claw
An herb with medicinal properties commonly found in South America and Asia. A: "I'm really not feeling well today." B: "Let me make you a remedy with cat's claw and some other herbs." Whenever we were sick growing up, our grandmother would make us tea with cat's claw. A: "You better make sure that herb you found is safe to ingest." B: "Don't worry, it is—it's cat's claw."
claw (one's) way
To do or gain something through intense effort. The phrase is often followed by "back," "into," or "out of." If we score a goal this period, then we have a chance to claw our way back into this game. I'm broke and homeless—how am I going to claw my way out of this situation? We had to claw our way through dense brush to reach the river.
claw (one's) way (somewhere)
To physically exert oneself to reach a particular destination. We had to claw our way through dense brush to reach the river. If only one of the plane crash victims had been in any condition to claw their way to the nearest town and get help, the whole group of them might have survived. I feel like we'll never be able to claw our way back to civilization without a guide!
claw (one's) way back
To expend an intense, continuous effort to regain something or recover from some setback or hardship. The company has been trying to claw its way back from the brink of bankruptcy. We fell behind in the second half of the game, but we managed to claw our way back and eke out a win. The champion cyclist spent Friday clawing his way back to the front of the peloton after falling to 17th place earlier in the week.
claw (one's) way back from (something)
To work hard to recover from some significant loss or setback. He'll have to claw his way back from that serious injury if he wants to be our starting quarterback next season. The company has been trying to claw its way back from the brink of bankruptcy. And how exactly is Edward supposed to claw his way back from yet another scandal?
claw (one's) way back into (something)
To expend an intense, continuous effort to reach some position or role in something. Typically used in the context of sports. It took two and a half periods, but the Blues have finally clawed their way back into this game. Now, can they tie it up with less than seven minutes left? We're last in the division—do you really think we'll be able to claw our way back into the playoffs? If we score a goal this period, then we have a chance to claw our way back into this game.
claw (one's) way back to (something)
To expend an intense, continuous effort to regain something or some position. The company has been trying to claw its way back to profitability following the effects of the economic crash. The champion cyclist spent Friday clawing his way back to the front of the peloton after falling to 17th place earlier in the week. And how exactly is Edward supposed to claw his way back to respectability after yet another scandal?
claw (one's) way to the top
To reach the highest level of something through unscrupulous methods. She clawed her way to the top, sabotaging everyone in her path—I see no honor in that. A: "Edward is really going to have to claw his way to the top after this latest scandal." B: "I know. What sane businessman would just give him another chance?" I refuse to claw my way to the top. If that's the only way to get ahead at this company, then I better start polishing up my résumé.
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.
claw back
1. verb To pull or peel something back with a violent tearing action, as with claws. A noun or pronoun can be used between "claw" and "back." She clawed back the wrapping paper on her present. I clawed the curtains back to see who or what was hiding behind them. Is this painting project ever going to be done? I'm so ready to claw back the rosin paper on the floor and start moving all the furniture back in here.
2. verb To regain or recover something with great difficulty and effort. A noun or pronoun can be used between "claw" and "back." The team was down nearly 20 points going into the final quarter of the game, but they somehow managed to claw back a stunning victory. He'll really have to claw back to form if he wants to be considered for the starting quarterback role next season. And how exactly is Edward supposed to claw back respectability after yet another scandal?
3. verb To recover money that has been paid out or disbursed, especially by a government agency. A noun or pronoun can be used between "claw" and "back." The tax agency is letting businesses know that it will be clawing back any tax refunds it deems unwarranted. The president's decision to claw back some of those stimulus checks will certainly be unpopular. If you underpay on your government healthcare, don't worry—the IRS will claw that money back from you at tax time.
4. noun The recovery of money paid out or disbursed, especially by a government agency. Usually written as a single word, especially in American English. The government expects to receive an additional $3 million in tax clawbacks this year. No way, these clawbacks aren't taking away my welfare checks! If you underpay on your government healthcare, don't worry—you'll just be subject to an IRS clawback at tax time.
claw me, and I'll claw thee
proverb If you help me, then I'll help you. A phrase used to describe a reciprocal relationship. After how much you helped me with the budget, of course I'll work with you to finish the project! Claw me, I'll claw thee! Thanks for the file. Here’s your money—claw me, and I'll claw thee, remember? Claw me, and I'll claw thee, OK? So if you do this boring data entry stuff for me, I'll put in a good word for you with the boss.
claw me, claw thee
proverb Help me, and I'll help you. A phrase used to describe a reciprocal relationship. After how much you helped me with the budget, of course I'll work with you to finish the project! Claw me, claw thee! Thanks for the file. Here’s your money—claw me, claw thee, remember? Claw me, claw thee, OK? Do this boring data entry stuff for me, and I'll put in a good word for you with the boss.
claw off
To rip or tear something off of someone or something else with one's hands or claws. A noun or pronoun can be used between "claw" and "off." Unfortunately for me, my puppy just loves clawing the upholstery off my couch. The child clawed off the wrapping paper with frantic excitement. Is this painting project ever going to be done? I'm so ready to claw the rosin paper off the floor and start moving all the furniture back in here.
fight (someone or something) tooth and claw
1. To physically fight or resist someone or something with great ferocity. A man jumped me in the dark alley, but I fought him tooth and claw and managed to drive him away. She fought the guards tooth and claw as they escorted her out of the building. There are significant defensive wounds on the victim. Looks like she fought her attacker tooth and claw.
2. By extension, to resist, oppose, or stand up against someone or something with great intensity and tenacity. The senator vowed to fight the proposal tooth and claw. The government has fought us tooth and claw on this issue, but we finally managed to win in court. Why are fighting me tooth and claw about this? I had nothing to do with it!
fight tooth and claw
To fight, battle, or compete with great ferocity, vigor, and intensity. I know my brother has fought tooth and claw to be re-elected, so his victory tonight is certainly well earned. These elite troops have been selected by the royal palace to fight tooth and claw against any possible invaders. There are significant defensive wounds on the victim. Looks like she fought tooth and claw during the attack.
get (one's) claws into (someone)
To exert one's influence over another person. Bobby's new girlfriend must have gotten her claws into him—have you seen the way he's dressing these days? Once that advisor got his claws into the president, there was a noticeable shift in her priorities. Was this really your decision, though? We all know Anita's gotten her claws into you.
get (one's) claws out
1. Literally, of an animal, to prepare for an attack or for defense by protracting or displaying its claws. I hate my neighbor's cat, it always gets its claws out when I go near it. I know you're afraid of cats, but my Fluffy literally only gets her claws out to use them on her scratcher. Yeah, let's steer clear of the hissing cat that's got its claws out!
2. By extension, to become particularly aggressive, especially in preparation for a confrontation. (Most often said of a woman.) Jenny had her claws out after she found out Mary had been spreading rumors about her in school. Well, yeah, of course she'll get her claws out if you insult her appearance! I know it doesn't take much for Aunt Mary to get her claws out. What did Mom do to set her off this time?
red in tooth and claw
Having, involving, or employing merciless and possibly cruel tactics during conflict or competition. Because there is a near-even split between the two parties in this state, politics tend to be red in tooth and claw come election time. Many want to do away with any and all regulation, allowing for a truly free market red in tooth and claw.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.