# show one's claws

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. To demonstrate one's ability to hurt another.
2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see show, claw.

## Etymology
From the way a feline will extend its claws when attacking, as opposed to leaving them retracted so that they do not show.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/show-one-s-claws