Noun
/wʊlfz klɔːz/
The term "wolf's-claws" refers to the claws of a wolf, emphasizing their predatory nature and strength. It symbolizes ferocity or the instinctual aspects of predation. The term is not commonly used in everyday language; it is more likely found in literature, discussions about wildlife, or metaphorical language.
The frequency of use is relatively low, primarily appearing in written contexts, such as animal studies, folklore, or environmental literature.
The wolf's-claws left deep prints in the soft earth, evidence of its nightly prowls.
Las garras de lobo dejaron profundas marcas en la tierra blanda, evidencia de sus rondas nocturnas.
A painting depicting the fierce beauty of a wolf's-claws captivated the audience at the art gallery.
Una pintura que representa la feroz belleza de las garras de un lobo cautivó a la audiencia en la galería de arte.
Legends say that the creature could evoke the spirit of a wolf's-claws, granting immense strength to its bearer.
Las leyendas dicen que la criatura podría evocar el espíritu de las garras de un lobo, otorgando una inmensa fuerza a su portador.
Though "wolf's-claws" itself is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions, the concept of "wolf" is prevalent in various idiomatic phrases that convey ideas of predation, danger, or cunningness.
A wolf in sheep's clothing
Meaning: Someone who hides their harmful intentions under a benign appearance.
There’s a wolf in sheep's clothing among us, so we must be careful who we trust.
(Hay un lobo disfrazado de oveja entre nosotros, así que debemos tener cuidado a quién confiamos.)
Throwing someone to the wolves
Meaning: Sacrificing someone for your own benefit.
In the office, she felt like they were throwing her to the wolves by not backing her up during the meeting.
(En la oficina, ella sintió que la estaban entregando a los lobos al no apoyarla durante la reunión.)
Howl like a wolf
Meaning: To express feelings of anger or frustration loudly.
When he saw the unfair treatment, he started to howl like a wolf, demanding justice.
(Cuando vio el trato injusto, empezó a aullar como un lobo, exigiendo justicia.)
Better the devil you know than the devil you don't (often metaphorical to wolves)
Meaning: It's preferable to deal with a familiar problem than an unknown one.
When choosing between the two jobs, she felt that better the devil she knew, rather than a potential wolf in the new company.
(Al elegir entre los dos trabajos, sintió que mejor el diablo que conocía, en lugar de un posible lobo en la nueva empresa.)
The term "wolf" traces back to the Old English word "wulf," which has Germanic roots. "Claws" comes from the Old English "clawu," meaning "claw," which is derived from Proto-Germanic *klawō. The phrase "wolf's-claws" combines these elements, directly linking the animal with its distinguishing features.
In summary, "wolf's-claws" is a vivid term that conveys strong imagery associated with wildness and nature, although it possesses a low frequency of use in everyday language and idiomatic expressions primarily revolve around the broader concept of "wolf."