claw (redirected from claws)

claw something off someone or something and claw something off

to rip or tear something off from someone or something. We saw a guy clawing his burning clothes off himself. He clawed off his burning clothes.

claw one's way to the top

Fig. to climb to the most prestigious level of something ruthlessly. He was the type of hard-hitting guy who claws his way to the top. She clawed her way to the top, fighting at every step.

See also: top, way

one's claws are showing

one is acting catty; one is saying spiteful and cruel things. Gloria: Did you see what she was wearing? I wouldn't be caught dead in it! Sally: Gloria, my dear, your claws are showing.

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claw your way back from something

if you claw your way back from a bad situation, you succeed in improving your situation again by making a big effort They clawed their way back from almost certain defeat to win by a single point.

See also: back, way

fight tooth and claw/nail

to fight very hard to achieve something (often + to do sth) We fought tooth and nail to retain our share of the business.

See also: and, fight, tooth

get your claws into somebody   (informal)

to find a way of influencing or controlling someone If the loan company gets its claws into you, you'll still be paying off this debt when you're 50.

See also: get

get her claws into somebody   (informal)

if a woman gets her claws into a man, she manages to start a relationship with him, often because she wants to control him or get something from him If she gets her claws into that young man she'll ruin his political career.

See also: get, her

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claw your way somewhere

to use all your energy and determination to achieve something Little by little, the county is clawing its way out of the damage caused by the flood. She clawed her way to the top of the company.

See also: way