get your claws into somebody

get (one's) claws into (someone)

To exert one's influence over another person. Bobby's new girlfriend must have gotten her claws into him—have you seen the way he's dressing these days?
See also: claw, get
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

get your ˈclaws into somebody


1 (disapproving) if a woman gets her claws into a man, she tries hard to make him marry her or to have a relationship with her: He was perfectly happy before she got her claws into him!
2 criticize somebody severely: Wait until the media gets its claws into her.
Claws are the sharp curved nails on the end of an animal’s or a bird’s foot.
See also: claw, get, somebody
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • get (one's) claws into (someone)
  • get your claws into
  • get your claws into someone
  • (one's) claws are showing
  • claw
  • one's claws are showing
  • exert
  • exert (oneself)
  • exert oneself
  • hold sway over