Sharp claws gleamed in moonlight.

Meaning: The cat's sharp nails reflected the light of the moon.

Choice of Words: Sharp is used to describe the claws of the cat. Claws are the sharp, curved nails on the cat's toes. Gleamed is used to describe the way the claws reflected the moonlight. Moonlight is the light from the moon.

Alternative Expressions

The claws of the beast glistened under the moon's pale glow.

Meaning: This sentence is also describing an animal with sharp claws that are shining in the moonlight. It's like saying, The animal's claws were so sharp and shiny, they almost looked like they were sparkling in the moonlight.

Choice of Words: Beast is another word for a large, wild animal. Glistened means to shine or sparkle. Pale means not very bright or colorful. When you put them together, "The claws of the beast glistened under the moon's pale glow" means that the animal's claws were shiny and sharp, and the moonlight made them look even more so.

Moonlight illuminated the razor-sharp talons of the nocturnal predator.

Meaning: This sentence is describing an animal with sharp claws that are shining in the moonlight. It's like saying, The moonlight was shining on the animal's sharp claws, making them look even more dangerous.

Choice of Words: Illuminated means to light up or make something visible. Razor-sharp means very sharp, like a razor blade. Talons are the sharp, curved claws of birds of prey. Nocturnal means active at night. Predator is an animal that hunts other animals for food. When you put them together, "Moonlight illuminated the razor-sharp talons of the nocturnal predator" means that the moonlight was shining on the sharp claws of the animal that hunts at night.

Related Expressions