verb
Meaning 1
To demonstrate one's ability to hurt another.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Phrase guide
show one's claws
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
verb
Meaning 2
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see show, claw.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Etymology
From the way a feline will extend its claws when attacking, as opposed to leaving them retracted so that they do not show.
Across languages
Translations
1 source translations are retained for this English entry.
- Finnish: näyttää kyntensä — to demonstrate one's abilities