informal to find a way of influencing or controlling someone.
If the loan company gets its claws into you, you'll still be paying off this debt when you're 50.
get (one's) claws into (someone)
To exert one's influence over another person. Bobby's new girlfriend must have gotten her claws into him—have you seen the way he's dressing these days?
get your claws into
enter into a possessive relationship with someone (used especially of a woman who dominates or manipulates a man). informal