Red in tooth and claw

usgb
adjective

Describing nature as violent and competitive, where survival is difficult.

The natural world is not all beauty and sunlight, it's also red in tooth and claw.
Visual representation of "red in tooth and claw" - Describing nature as violent and competitive, where survival is difficult.

Often appears as...

  • nature is red in tooth and claw
  • life is red in tooth and claw

Usage tips

Literary

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "red in tooth and claw"
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Literary Origins

Originates from a Tennyson poem, indicating its strong literary history and potential expectation of literary knowledge.

Illustration for Literary Origins
Her fascination with poetry made her describe the wilderness as 'red in tooth and claw'.
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Emotional Weight

Conveys a sense of visceral brutality inherent in nature, can elicit strong emotional response.

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Watching the predator hunt, you truly grasp what 'red in tooth and claw' means.
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Darwinian Echo

Echoes Darwin's ideas of natural selection, highlighting nature's unforgiving survival battles.

Illustration for Darwinian Echo
Nature documentaries showcase the 'red in tooth and claw' aspect of evolution.
Visual representation of the word "Red in tooth and claw"

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