To recover something that was lost, especially money or an advantage, with great effort.
To get back something you had before, but it's really hard to do.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To recover money, especially through taxation, legal means, or formal policy.
"The government plans to claw back billions in unpaid taxes from offshore accounts."
The Treasury is expected to claw back the bonuses paid to executives at bailed-out banks.
— The Guardian, financial reporting, circa 2009–2012
To regain a lost advantage, position, or lead, especially in sports or competition.
"Down by three goals, the home side clawed back two before the final whistle."
To gradually regain something lost — respect, market share, credibility — through sustained effort.
"After the scandal, she spent years trying to claw back her reputation."
To drag something back toward oneself using claws — suggesting a fierce, difficult retrieval.
To get back something you had before, but it's really hard to do.
Very common in financial and political journalism. A 'clawback' (noun) is a formal recovery of funds or bonuses, often used in employment contracts and tax law. The figurative sports sense (recovering a deficit) is also very common.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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