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get one's claws out. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
get one's claws out, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
get one's claws out in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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get one's claws out, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Pronunciation
Verb
get one's claws out (third-person singular simple present gets one's claws out, present participle getting one's claws out, simple past got one's claws out, past participle (UK) got one's claws out or (US) gotten one's claws out)
- (of an animal with claws) To prepare to attack or retaliate
That cat will always get its claws out when it sees a mouse.
- (of a person, idiomatic) To prepare to attack or retaliate
You'd better watch out: she's got her claws out for you.
Usage notes
When said of a person, the phrase is usually applied to a woman and the attack is typically verbal or indirect, such as a harming someone socially.