get one's claws out
The phrase "get one's claws out" is an idiom derived from the behavior of animals, particularly cats, when they prepare to attack or defend themselves.
Definition
B2General
(figurative, informal)To become aggressive or confrontational, often in a sharp or vindictive manner.
Example
- When Jane heard the unfair criticism, she got her claws out and defended her work fiercely.
B2Interpersonal
(figurative, informal)To reveal one's hostile or competitive nature, especially during conflict or rivalry.
Example
- During the heated debate, both politicians got their claws out and attacked each other's policies.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "get one's claws out":
show one's clawsclaw offbare one's teethhave it outcome to blowssink one's teeth intowhip outgrit one's teethtake off one's glovesdig one's heels inrear one's headget in someone's hairput up one's dukesdig outget under someone's skinget a leg upcome out swingingroll up one's sleevesrake outtease outwriggle out of