a dog-eat-dog world
/ə ˈdɔɡ ˌiːt ˈdɔɡ wɜːld/a situation where people compete so fiercely that they will harm each other to succeed
After the merger, the company became a dog-eat-dog world where departments fought over resources.
The workplace became extremely competitive, with employees undermining each other to secure their positions.
The music industry can be a dog-eat-dog world, especially for new artists trying to get noticed.
New musicians often face extreme competition, with established figures exploiting newcomers to maintain their own success.
Often used to describe environments like corporate settings, entertainment industries, or competitive sports where cutthroat behavior is common.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
When to use this idiom
Use 'a dog-eat-dog world' to describe environments where people act selfishly or unethically to get ahead. It’s often used in business, politics, or entertainment contexts to highlight cutthroat behavior.
⚡Gold Rule
Avoid literal interpretation
This idiom is purely figurative. Do not use it to describe actual dogs fighting or literal survival situations.
📖Word Origin
The phrase originates from the observation of actual dog behavior, where dogs may fight viciously for survival. The earliest known use dates to the 16th century, appearing in works like John Foxe's 'Actes and Monuments' (1563). The metaphor expanded to describe human societies where competition leads to destructive behavior.
📝Usage Notes
This idiom is typically used in informal contexts to criticize or describe competitive environments. It implies that the competition is not just intense but morally questionable, as people prioritize their own success over ethics or fairness.