CLAW Meaning and
Definition
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A claw is a sharp, curved, and often pointed appendage or limb possessed by certain animals, primarily to grasp, hold, or manipulate objects or prey. It is typically found on the feet or hands of these creatures and serves multiple functions.
The structure of a claw consists of a hard, keratinous outer covering called the nail or talon, which is attached to a bony or cartilaginous base. This arrangement gives the claw its characteristic strength and durability. Claws vary in size and shape depending on the species and their specific ecological niche.
Claws are essential tools for many animals, allowing them to engage in various activities such as climbing, digging, hunting, defense, grooming, or even mating rituals. They aid in efficient locomotion and provide stability on different surfaces. Predatory animals rely on their sharp claws for catching and gripping their prey, delivering lethal strikes while hunting.
Claws are particularly prominent in species like cats, birds of prey, reptiles, and arthropods, where they perform critical roles in their daily lives. In some scenarios, claws can be modified and specialized for specific functions, such as the talons of raptors for catching and carrying prey or the digging claws of moles for excavating underground tunnels.
Beyond their biological utility, claws have also captivated human imagination, serving as inspiration for artistic depictions, symbolic representations, and metaphorical uses. The term "claw" can also be used metaphorically to describe a forceful and tenacious grasp or a sharp and forceful grasp in an emotional context.
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• A sharp hooked nail in the foot of a cat, bird, or other animal; the whole foot of a bird; in bot, the narrow base of some petals corresponding to the petiole of leaves.
• To tear or scratch with the nails.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CLAW
Etymology of CLAW
The word "claw" can be traced back to the Old English word "clawu", which is believed to have originated from the Proto-Germanic word "klawojan". This Proto-Germanic term can be further traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*glo-", which meant "to grab" or "to seize". This root gave rise to various related words in different languages, such as the Old Norse "kló" and the German "Klaue", all with similar meanings of a sharp, curved appendage used for grasping or tearing.
Idioms with the word CLAW
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claw your way (smw)
The idiom "claw your way" means to struggle intensely and persistently through difficult or challenging circumstances in order to achieve something. It implies using determined efforts, similar to how a claw grips and pulls in an attempt to overcome obstacles or reach a goal.
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claw sth off sm or sth
The idiom "claw sth off sm or sth" generally means to remove or pry something forcefully or aggressively, often by using one's hands or claws. The phrase is often used figuratively to describe a situation where someone tries to take or grab something forcefully or snatch it away from someone or something else. It indicates a strong or aggressive action taken to obtain or eliminate something.
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cat's claw
The idiom "cat's claw" typically refers to someone using their sharp or stealthy skills to seize or grab an opportunity or advantage, often in a quick and opportunistic manner. It implies that the person is crafty, resourceful, or cunning, similar to a cat using its claws to catch prey.
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claw me, claw thee
The idiom "claw me, claw thee" is a variation of the phrase "tit for tat." It means that if one person harms or criticizes another, the second person will respond in a similar manner. It suggests a retaliatory or retaliative approach where actions are reciprocated in kind.
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claw (one's) way (somewhere)
The idiom "claw (one's) way (somewhere)" means to struggle or make a determined effort to achieve success or reach a desired position or destination despite facing difficult or challenging circumstances. It implies that the person is using great effort and determination, much like claws digging into a surface to gain a foothold and progress significantly.
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claw (one's) way
The idiom "claw one's way" typically means to work extremely hard, persistently, and often against significant obstacles or challenges in order to achieve a goal or success. It implies an intense effort and determination, as if using one's claws to climb or fight their way towards a desired outcome.
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claw something off someone or something
The idiom "claw something off someone or something" typically refers to forcefully removing or taking away something, often by using one's hands or claws. It implies a sense of aggression or struggle in obtaining or retrieving what is desired or needed.
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fight tooth and claw
The idiom "fight tooth and claw" means to fiercely and aggressively struggle or fight in order to achieve something or defend oneself. It implies using all available resources and methods, including physical combat and strong determination, to overcome obstacles or opponents.
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red in tooth and claw
The idiom "red in tooth and claw" refers to a situation or behavior that is characterized by brutal, aggressive, and ruthless nature, often associated with fierce competition, violence, or survival instincts. It suggests a scenario of intense and merciless struggle, where individuals or entities are willing to use any means necessary to achieve their goals.
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claw your way back, into something, out of something, to something, etc.
The idiom "claw your way back" means to make a determined effort to recover, regain, or achieve something even in the face of great difficulty, obstacles, or setbacks. It implies a struggle or fight against adversity in order to reach a desired outcome. The phrase "claw your way back" can be used in various contexts, such as to regain success after failure, recover from a difficult situation, or regain control or power.
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claw one's way to the top
The idiom "claw one's way to the top" means to achieve success or a position of power through ruthless and aggressive efforts, often at the expense of others. It implies a determined and relentless pursuit of one's goals, similar to the action of a clawing animal forcefully moving upward.
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claw your way back, into something, out of something, etc.
The idiom "claw your way back, into something, out of something, etc." means to persistently and relentlessly struggle to regain or improve one's position, status, or reputation. It suggests a determined effort to overcome obstacles and hardships in order to achieve success or recover from a setback. The phrase often conveys the image of using one's metaphorical "claws," like that of a cat, to forcefully and tenaciously fight one's way back to a desirable situation.
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claw your way back from sth
The idiom "claw your way back from something" means to overcome a difficult or challenging situation through great effort and determination. It often implies that the individual is struggling or facing significant obstacles but is fighting relentlessly to recover or improve their circumstances. The phrase often carries a sense of perseverance, resilience, and fighting against all odds.
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claw back
The idiom "claw back" means to recover or regain something forcefully or aggressively, typically in a financial context. It refers to the act of recouping losses, reclaiming funds, or retrieving a previously lost advantage or position. The phrase often implies a difficult or combative process of regaining what was lost or taken away.
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claw (one's) way back from (something)
The idiom "claw (one's) way back from (something)" means to struggle or work extremely hard in order to recover from a difficult or challenging situation. It implies a determined and relentless effort to regain one's position, success, or well-being after experiencing setbacks, failures, or adversity. The phrase often conveys the idea of exerting great physical or mental effort, similar to how an animal might use its claws to climb or escape from a difficult situation.
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claw way to the top
The idiom "claw way to the top" refers to the act of achieving success or a high position through ruthless determination, perseverance, or aggressive tactics. It implies that the individual is willing to use any means necessary, often at the expense of others, in order to achieve their goals.
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fight tooth and claw/nail
The idiom "fight tooth and claw/nail" means to fight or struggle fiercely and aggressively, using all available means and putting forth maximum effort to win or achieve something. It implies a determined and relentless approach, as if using one's teeth and claws (similar to animals) to vigorously defend oneself or engage in combat.
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claw your way back from
The idiom "claw your way back from" typically means to make a substantial effort or struggle to recover from a difficult or challenging situation, often involving setbacks, failures, or adversity. It implies the intense determination and persistence required to overcome obstacles and regain a desired position or condition. Just as a clawed animal would use its claws to gain traction and pull itself up, a person 'clawing their way back from' demonstrates a resolute spirit in their quest for recovery or success.
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claw way
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claw off
Similar spelling words for CLAW
- clam,
- CLAWS,
- clay,
- clad,
- flaw,
- cloy,
- law,
- clow,
- caw,
- clap,
- clan,
- clew,
- Cleo,
- clio,
- cl,
- clue,
- Cloe,
- cli.
Conjugate verb Claw
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have clawed
you
would have clawed
he/she/it
would have clawed
we
would have clawed
they
would have clawed
I
would have claw
you
would have claw
he/she/it
would have claw
we
would have claw
they
would have claw
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been clawing
you
would have been clawing
he/she/it
would have been clawing
we
would have been clawing
they
would have been clawing
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would claw
you
would claw
he/she/it
would claw
we
would claw
they
would claw
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be clawing
you
would be clawing
he/she/it
would be clawing
we
would be clawing
they
would be clawing
FUTURE
I
will claw
you
will claw
he/she/it
will claw
we
will claw
they
will claw
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be clawing
you
will be clawing
he/she/it
will be clawing
we
will be clawing
they
will be clawing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have clawed
you
will have clawed
he/she/it
will have clawed
we
will have clawed
they
will have clawed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been clawing
you
will have been clawing
he/she/it
will have been clawing
we
will have been clawing
they
will have been clawing
IMPERATIVE
you
claw
we
let´s claw
to claw
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was clawing
you
were clawing
he/she/it
was clawing
we
were clawing
they
were clawing
PAST PARTICIPLE
clawed
PAST PERFECT
I
had clawed
you
had clawed
he/she/it
had clawed
we
had clawed
they
had clawed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been clawing
you
had been clawing
he/she/it
had been clawing
we
had been clawing
they
had been clawing
PRESENT
I
claw
you
claw
he/she/it
claws
we
claw
they
claw
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am clawing
you
are clawing
he/she/it
is clawing
we
are clawing
they
are clawing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
clawing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have clawed
you
have clawed
he/she/it
has clawed
we
have clawed
they
have clawed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been clawing
you
have been clawing
he/she/it
has been clawing
we
have been clawing
they
have been clawing
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
claw
SIMPLE PAST
I
clawed
you
clawed
he/she/it
clawed
we
clawed
they
clawed
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