talon
LowFormal, Literary, Specialised (Zoology)
Definition
Meaning
The sharp, curved claw of a bird of prey, especially a hawk, eagle, or owl.
In non-ornithological contexts, it can refer metaphorically to a powerful and grasping force, influence, or possession (e.g., 'in the talons of the corporation'). Can also refer to the part of a lock mechanism or a playing card from one of the reserve piles in certain card games.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word evokes imagery of predatory birds, power, and often danger or violent capture. Its use outside of literal ornithology is almost always metaphorical, connoting sharp, tenacious, and often menacing possession or control.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. 'Talon' is universally understood in its literal sense. The metaphorical extension is perhaps slightly more common in literary British English.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotations are of predatory force. In business metaphors, it may suggest ruthless acquisition.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, found primarily in descriptive, literary, or specialised contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [Bird] seized the [prey] with its talons.[Subject] was caught in the talons of [abstract threat].The [eagle/hawk]'s talons were [adjective].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In the talons of (fate/debt/despair)”
- “To feel the talons of (fear)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, used metaphorically: 'The company felt the talons of bankruptcy closing in.'
Academic
Common in biology/zoology texts describing raptor anatomy. Used in literary criticism for metaphorical analysis.
Everyday
Very rare. Most commonly encountered in nature documentaries, books, or poetry.
Technical
Specific term in ornithology. Also a technical term in card games (e.g., patience/solitaire) and lock-making.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The falcon gripped the lure tightly in its talon.
- He felt the cold talons of fear gripping his heart.
- Turn over the top card from the talon.
American English
- The bald eagle's talons are incredibly powerful.
- She was trapped in the talons of a predatory loan.
- He drew a card from the talon pile.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The owl has sharp talons.
- The picture shows an eagle's talon.
- The hawk caught the fish with its curved talons.
- He described the anxiety as having talons.
- Zoologists study the immense gripping force of an eagle's talons.
- The novel's protagonist was in the talons of a terrible secret.
- The metaphor of the corporation's talons extracting wealth from the region was powerfully effective.
- In the intricate game of Canfield, the talon is pivotal to strategic play.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of TALON sounding like 'tall on' a perch, where a bird with tall, sharp claws (talons) stands.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER/THREAT IS A BIRD OF PREY; CONTROL/OWNERSHIP IS GRASPING WITH TALONS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'талон' (a coupon/ticket). The English word 'talon' translates directly to 'коготь' (specifically of a bird of prey).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'talon' for the claws of a cat or dog (use 'claw' or 'paw').
- Pronouncing it /teɪlən/ (like 'tail' + 'on'); correct is /ˈtælən/.
- Misspelling as 'tallon'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'talon' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is specific to birds of prey (raptors) like eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. For other animals like cats or bears, the word 'claw' is used.
No, it is a low-frequency word. It is most common in nature-related contexts, literature, or specific technical fields (ornithology, card games).
All talons are claws, but not all claws are talons. 'Talon' specifies the particularly large, sharp, curved claws of a bird of prey used for killing and gripping. 'Claw' is the general term.
Not many truly common idioms. Phrases like 'in the talons of' (e.g., debt, despair) are established but literary or formal metaphors, not everyday idioms.