PhrasesHub

Red in tooth and claw

    Definitions

      • describing brutal and savage behavior
        to emphasize the violent and aggressive nature of a situation or behavior

      • competitive and fierce
        to describe a situation or competition that is intense and cutthroat

    Examples of Red in tooth and claw

    • In the wild, the lioness stalked through the savanna with a steely gaze, her fur rippling in the wind. The other animals scattered at her approach, sensing the primal power coursing through her veins. As she drew near her prey, a wildebeest, she pounced, fangs flashing in the sun. This, Tennyson mused in his poem, is the earthly reality of "red in tooth and claw," a world where survival is all that matters, and the mighty predator reaps the rewards.

      This example uses the idiom "red in tooth and claw" to describe the raw, animalistic nature of a predator in its natural habitat. The lioness, with her sharp teeth and powerful claws, is a prime example of the "red" in "red in tooth and claw." The context emphasizes the brutality of the natural world, where survival is a constant battle. The reference to Tennyson's poem highlights the poetic and literary origins of the idiom.

    • In the cutthroat world of business, competition is fierce, and every advantage counts. Some executives will do whatever it takes to rise to the top, trampling over others in the quest for power and success. They are, as the saying goes, "red in tooth and claw," merciless predators who will stop at nothing to get what they want. These are the ruthless few who will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, be it through deceit, sabotage, or any other means necessary.

      This example illustrates the use of the idiom in a contemporary context, where "red in tooth and claw" refers to the Darwinian struggle for survival that pervades many industries. The corporate world is, in many ways, a battlefield, where the strong eats the weak, and the fittest survive. The cutthroat tactics of some executives mimic the behavior of predators, as they seek to gain an edge over their competitors. The use of the idiom underscores the ruthless nature of modern business and the lengths some will go to get ahead.

    • In the aftermath of a catastrophic natural disaster, the landscape was left scarred and desolate, a wasteland strewn with broken tree limbs and shattered debris. The world had transformed into a battleground, where survival depended on cunning and resourcefulness. This, the survivors realized, was "red in tooth and claw," a harsh and unforgiving world where only the strong survived. The gruesome aftermath of the disaster was a testament to the age-old principle that in the face of adversity, humanity's primal instincts emerge, leaving behind a grisly spectacle that is both eerie and compelling.

      This example demonstrates the use of the idiom in the context of a post-apocalyptic scenario, where the collapse of society has left humanity struggling to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world. The idiom serves as a poignant reminder of the primal instincts that lie dormant within us all, waiting to be unleashed in extreme circumstances. The example also highlights the barbaric and savage nature of humanity's response to crisis, where survival takes precedence over empathy and compassion. The use of the idiom underscores the brutal and unforgiving nature of the world in such circumstances.

    • In the jungle, the survival of the fittest is a constant struggle, with every animal fighting tooth and nail to assert its dominance. It's a world where red is in the teeth and claws of predators, as they hunt their prey with ferocity and determination.

      This idiom is derived from the poem "Ode on a Grecian Urn" by John Keats. In its original context, the phrase "red in tooth and claw" refers to the brutality and violence of nature, conveyed by the visual image of a predator's mouth and talons. In contemporary usage, it is often employed figuratively to describe any situation characterized by intense competition, cut-throat ambition, or ruthless behavior. In this case, it is used to evoke a vivid picture of the harsh, predatory environment of the jungle, where the pursuit of survival can be just as savage and primal as the physical act of hunting.

    • The jungle is a place where only the strong survive, tooth and nail. Here, animals fight fiercely to hunt for food, and weaker ones succumb to the stronger predators. It's a world red in tooth and claw, where nature's law is the only rule.

      "Red in tooth and claw" is a phrase taken from Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem "In Memoriam". It refers to the brutal and wild nature of animals, who use their sharp teeth and claws to hunt and survive in the wild. The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe a ruthless, competitive, or hostile environment where only the strongest can prevail. In this example, we're using the idiom to describe the survival of the fittest in the jungle. The phrase "tooth and nail" signifies a struggle to the death, where the weak are eliminated, and the strong come out victorious. The metaphor emphasizes the primal and instinctual aspects of animal behavior, where survival is all that matters. In the context of our example, the jungle becomes a symbol of nature's law, where only the fittest survive, and where animals are red in tooth and claw.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "red in tooth and claw" is used to convey the idea of something being extremely brutal, savage, or competitive. It is often used to describe situations or behaviors that are marked by violence and aggression, or to emphasize the fierce and intense nature of a competition or rivalry.

    Overall, the idiom is a colorful way of highlighting the harsh and unforgiving aspects of a particular situation, whether it be in terms of violence, aggression, or competition.

    Origin of "Red in tooth and claw"

    The phrase "red in tooth and claw" comes from a poem called "In Memoriam A.H.H." by the Victorian poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson. In the poem, Tennyson uses the phrase to describe the ruthless and cruel aspects of nature, particularly in the animal kingdom. The color "red" symbolizes blood and violence, while "tooth and claw" represent the physical weapons used in the animal world.

    The phrase has since become a well-known idiom used to vividly depict the harsh and brutal realities of life, particularly in regards to aggression and competition. Its origin in poetry has added to its literary and evocative nature, making it a powerful way to convey the intensity and ferocity of a situation.