| Front | claw |
|---|---|
| Back | noun, verbBrE /klɔː/NAmE /klɔː/ noun 1 one of the sharp curved nails on the end of an animal's or a bird's footThe cat lashed out with its claws. 2 a long, sharp curved part of the body of some types of shellfish, used for catching and holding thingsthe claws of a crab 3 part of a tool or machine, like a claw, used for holding, pulling or lifting things see also claw hammer get your claws into sb1 (disapproving) if a woman gets her claws into a man, she tries hard to make him marry her or to have a relationship with herShe's really got her claws into you! 2 to criticize sb severelyWait until the media gets its claws into her. more at red in tooth and claw at red adj. verb [intransitive, transitive]to scratch or tear sb/sth with claws or with your nails~ at sb/sthThe cat was clawing at the leg of the chair. (figurative) Branches clawed at her hair.~ sb/sth She had clawed Stephen across the face. (figurative) His hands clawed the air.claw your way back, into sth, out of sth, to sth, etc.to gradually achieve sth or move somewhere by using a lot of determination and effortShe clawed her way to the top of her profession. Slowly, he clawed his way out from under the collapsed building.ˌclaw sthˈback1 to get sth back that you have lost, usually by using a lot of effortThe company is trying to claw back its share of the market. Newcastle managed to claw a goal back. 2 (of a government) to get back money that has been paid to people, usually by taxing themThe Chancellor is expected to claw back £2.8 billion in the budget. related noun clawback |
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