claw

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. the sharp, biting part of a sea creature like a crab or lobster.

n. the pincer-like organ, or chela, of a crustacean or other arthropod.

“Be careful of the crab's claw when you pick it up.”

“The lobster used its larger crushing claw to break open the shells of smaller mollusks on the ocean floor.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a tool or part of a machine that is shaped like an animal's claw for gripping things.

n. a mechanical device or attachment designed to mimic the gripping function of an animal's claw.

“The hammer has a claw on one side for pulling out nails.”

“The operator used the hydraulic claw to lift the heavy scrap metal into the recycling bin.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to scratch or pull at something roughly with your nails or fingers.

v. to scratch, tear, or dig at a surface using claws or fingernails.

Español:arañar

“The frightened dog tried to claw its way out of the wooden crate.”

“The survivors had to claw through the debris with their bare hands to reach the supplies buried underneath.”

C1 · Advanced Informal

v. to work very hard to achieve something or move forward when it is difficult.

v. to make progress or achieve a goal through great effort and persistence, often against resistance.

“The team had to claw their way back into the game after losing three goals.”

“After the market crash, the small firm had to claw its way back to profitability over several difficult years.”