爪そう牙が

noun

claws and fangs; claws and tusks

Literal meaning: the claws and fangs (or tusks) of a beast. Often used metaphorically.

• 虎とらは爪そう牙がをむき出だしにして襲おそいかかった。

  The tiger attacked with its claws and fangs bared.

noun

means of causing harm; weapon; devious design

Figurative extension: something used as a tool or weapon to harm others, often implying cunning or underhandedness.

• 彼かれは噂うわさを爪そう牙がとしてライバルを陥おとしいれた。

  He used rumors as a weapon to bring down his rival.

noun

pawn; stooge; cat's-paw; right-hand man

A person used by someone else to do their dirty work; a tool or underling. Sense 4 (right-hand man) is a specific, somewhat positive variant of this idea, but still implies being used.

• 彼かれは上じょう司しの爪そう牙がとして不ふ正せいを働はたらいていた。

  He was acting as his boss's cat's-paw, carrying out the fraud.

• 社しゃ長ちょうは彼かれを爪そう牙がとして重ちょう用ようした。

  The president relied on him as his right-hand man.