Claw | Mean of claw in English Dictionary

/ˈklɑː/

• Noun
• a sharp curved part on the toe of an animal (such as a cat or bird)
1. The eagle was carrying a mouse in its sharp claws.
2. the bear's claws
3. They've only been dating for a few months and already she's got her claws into him! [=she already has control over him]
4. (chiefly Brit) The press has been getting its claws into him. [=has been attacking/criticizing him]
5. They're still trying to get their claws on her money. [=to get her money]
• a body part of an animal (such as a lobster or crab) that is used for gripping and holding things
• a part on a tool or machine that is used for gripping, digging, etc.
1. The excavating machine's claw dug into the earth.
2. the claw of a hammer
• Verb

• to scratch, grip, or dig with claws or fingers
1. The cat claws at the door when she wants to go outside.
2. The dog was clawing at the dirt.
3. She desperately clawed at her attacker's face.
4. How can we stop the cat from clawing the drapes/curtains?
5. The dog clawed a hole in the carpet.
6. She tried to claw his face with her fingernails.
• to get back (something, such as money or business) by acting in a forceful way or by doing something that requires a lot of effort
1. With budget cuts looming, the government is trying to claw back some of the money it promised to state agencies.
• to move ahead slowly by grabbing onto things
1. The climbers clawed their way up the steep terrain.
2. The company is clawing its way out of bankruptcy.
3. He clawed his way to the top of his profession.