Get your claws into somebody
phrase
To start controlling or influencing someone, often in a manipulative way.
She managed to get her claws into him and he's been different ever since.
Often appears as...
- manage to get claws into
- get claws into him
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To show a strong interest in someone romantically, often with the intention to control them.
She's been trying to get her claws into the new guy at work.
Often appears as...
- get claws into new guy
- get claws into someone attractive
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
phrase
To start to deal with something or someone in a determined and/or thorough way.
Once he gets his claws into a project, he won't stop until it's complete.
Often appears as...
- get claws into a project
- get claws into a problem
Usage tips
Informal, Approving
Idiomatic
phrase
To start controlling or influencing someone, often in a manipulative way.
She managed to get her claws into him and he's been different ever since.
Often appears as...
- manage to get claws into
- get claws into him
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To show a strong interest in someone romantically, often with the intention to control them.
She's been trying to get her claws into the new guy at work.
Often appears as...
- get claws into new guy
- get claws into someone attractive
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
phrase
To start to deal with something or someone in a determined and/or thorough way.
Once he gets his claws into a project, he won't stop until it's complete.
Often appears as...
- get claws into a project
- get claws into a problem
Usage tips
Informal, Approving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
This phrase often implies something bad or unethical is happening through influence.
Ever since he got promoted, I feel like his mentor really got her claws into him.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Control
The 'claws' hint at control being sneaky rather than open or forceful.
He seems to do whatever she says, like she's quietly gotten her claws into him.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Claws
Remember, 'claws' are not literal but suggest manipulation as if someone were an animal.
Be careful—once he gets his claws into you, it's hard to be independent.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
This phrase often implies something bad or unethical is happening through influence.
Ever since he got promoted, I feel like his mentor really got her claws into him.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Control
The 'claws' hint at control being sneaky rather than open or forceful.
He seems to do whatever she says, like she's quietly gotten her claws into him.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Claws
Remember, 'claws' are not literal but suggest manipulation as if someone were an animal.
Be careful—once he gets his claws into you, it's hard to be independent.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
This phrase often implies something bad or unethical is happening through influence.
Ever since he got promoted, I feel like his mentor really got her claws into him.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Control
The 'claws' hint at control being sneaky rather than open or forceful.
He seems to do whatever she says, like she's quietly gotten her claws into him.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Claws
Remember, 'claws' are not literal but suggest manipulation as if someone were an animal.
Be careful—once he gets his claws into you, it's hard to be independent.
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