claw off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareTechnical (sailing), Figurative/Literary
Quick answer
What does “claw off” mean?
In sailing, to steer a boat away from the shore or a lee shore into the wind to avoid being driven onto it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In sailing, to steer a boat away from the shore or a lee shore into the wind to avoid being driven onto it.
To work hard to extricate oneself from a difficult situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The literal sailing term is equally understood in British and American maritime contexts. The figurative use is slightly more common in British literary and journalistic writing.
Connotations
Conveys effort, struggle, and a degree of desperation in both registers.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language; primarily found in sailing manuals, historical novels, and sophisticated prose.
Grammar
How to Use “claw off” in a Sentence
[Subject] claw off ([from] [object])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “claw off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The skipper knew he had to claw off the treacherous coast before the storm hit.
- They clawed off from financial ruin through sheer determination.
American English
- With the rocks looming, the captain ordered the crew to claw off immediately.
- The startup had to claw off from a hostile takeover attempt.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used figuratively: 'The new CEO had to claw the company off the brink of bankruptcy.'
Academic
Rare; may appear in historical or maritime studies texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in sailing instruction and nautical writing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “claw off”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “claw off”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “claw off”
- Using 'claw off' for simple departure ('claw off the dock').
- Confusing with 'claw back' (regain something lost).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare and specialised term, mostly confined to sailing contexts and sophisticated figurative use.
No, that would be 'claw at' or simply 'claw'. 'Claw off' is a fixed phrasal verb with its own specific meaning.
A shore onto which the wind is blowing. A sailing vessel in this position is in danger of being driven aground, making 'clawing off' necessary.
No, there is no commonly used noun derivative. The action is described using the verb phrase.
In sailing, to steer a boat away from the shore or a lee shore into the wind to avoid being driven onto it.
Claw off is usually technical (sailing), figurative/literary in register.
Claw off: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɔː ɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɔ ɔf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Claw your way out”
- “Claw back from the brink”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cat using its CLAWS to pull itself OFF a slippery slope.
Conceptual Metaphor
ESCAPE IS A PHYSICAL PULL/CLAWING ACTION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary, literal meaning of 'claw off'?