claw

Everyday

1. A claw is a sharp curved nail on the foot of an animal or bird, like a cat's, eagle's or bear's. tree →
2. A claw is the pincer of a crab, lobster or scorpion, used to grab things. tree →
3. To claw is to scratch, tear or grab with claws or fingernails. tree →
4. To claw your way is to move or get something with great effort. tree →
5. A claw can also mean a hand, especially a hooked one. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, claws are adaptations for hunting, climbing, digging and defending. Cats can pull their claws in (retract); dogs cannot. In everyday life, the claw machine at fairs is a game. A claw hammer has a split end for pulling out nails. Phrases: «sharp claws», «claw at», «claw back» (get back with effort), «claw machine».

Examples

• The cat scratched the sofa with its claws. tree →
• The eagle grabbed the fish with its claws. tree →
• Crabs pinch with their big claws. tree →
• Bears use their claws to dig and climb. tree →
• The puppy clawed at the door to get in. tree →
• I tried to win a toy from the claw machine. tree →
• Cats can hide their claws inside their paws. tree →
• The climbers clawed their way up the steep slope. tree →
• “Shake hands, Starkey,” said Hook, proffering his claw. tree →

Note

Countable. A bird of prey's claws are also called talons. Do not confuse with «clause» (part of a sentence), which sounds similar. Safety: don't play rough with cats or dogs — claws can scratch and scratches can get infected.

In Jewish tradition

In Psalm 10 the wicked man is pictured as a lion or beast of prey whose claws seize the helpless poor.

Interpretation. The tradition reads this as a picture of the cruel who crush the weak, and trusts that God hears the humble and brings justice.

Examples

• He croucheth, he boweth down, and the helpless fall into his mighty claws. (Writings PSA.10.10, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable. A bird of prey's claws are also called talons. Do not confuse with «clause» (part of a sentence), which sounds similar. Safety: don't play rough with cats or dogs — claws can scratch and scratches can get infected.