claw
claw1 /klɔː $ klɒː/ 
noun [countable]
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 somebody
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
claw2 verb [intransitive and transitive]
1. to tear or pull at something, using claws or your fingers
claw at
The cat keeps clawing at the rug.
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 something ↔ back phrasal verb
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. British English if a government or organization claws back money it has given to people, it takes it back
| I |
noun [countable] Language: Old English
Origin: clawu
Origin: clawu
1. a sharp curved nail on an animal, bird, or some insects:
2. get your claws into somebody
a. if someone gets their claws into another person, they influence them in a harmful way:
b. to say unpleasant things about someone in order to upset them:
3. the curved end of a tool or machine, used for lifting things:
| II |
verb [intransitive and transitive]1. to tear or pull at something, using claws or your fingers
claw at
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
claw something ↔ back phrasal verb
1. to get back something that you had lost, by trying very hard:
2. British English if a government or organization claws back money it has given to people, it takes it back