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claw
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.
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.
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."
claw me, claw thee
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!
get (one's) claws into
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?
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.
claw something off someone or something
and claw something offto 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.