The little ones have claws (7)

I believe the answer is:

nippers

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'claws' is the definition.
(I know this)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for nippers that I've seen before include "kids?" , "pickpockets" , "Claws; children" , "Youngsters" , "Small children" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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