claw (one's) way back to (something)

To expend an intense, continuous effort to regain something or some position. The company has been trying to claw its way back to profitability following the effects of the economic crash. The champion cyclist spent Friday clawing his way back to the front of the peloton after falling to 17th place earlier in the week. And how exactly is Edward supposed to claw his way back to respectability after yet another scandal?