claw

claw¹ [klo: US klo:] n

↑fur, ↑paw, ↑claw

[: Old English; Origin: clawu]

1.) a sharp curved nail on an animal, bird, or some insects

▪ The cat dug his claws into my leg.

▪ lobster claws

2.) get your claws into sb

a) if someone gets their claws into another person, they influence them in a harmful way

▪ The thought of Eloise getting her claws into the child made his blood run cold.

b) to say unpleasant things about someone in order to upset them

▪ Wait till the papers get their claws into him.

3.) the curved end of a tool or machine, used for lifting things

▪ a claw hammer

claw ²

claw² v [I and T]

1.) to tear or pull at something, using claws or your fingers

claw at

▪ The cat keeps clawing at the rug.

▪ Mary clawed at her husband's sleeve, trying to stop him.

2.) claw your way

to try very hard to reach a place or position, using a lot of effort and determination

claw your way up/along/back etc

▪ He clawed his way forward inch by inch.

▪ Benson clawed his way back into the lead.

claw back [claw sth<=>back] phr v

1.) to get back something that you had lost, by trying very hard

▪ The company has managed to claw back its share of the market.

2.) BrE if a government or organization claws back money it has given to people, it takes it back