(a case of) dog eat dog In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "(a case of) dog eat dog", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Caroline Tran calendar 2021-03-07 08:03

Meaning of (a case of) dog eat dog

Synonyms:

ruthless , merciless , with no holds barred

(a case of) dog eat dog phrase informal

Used to describe a competitive situation where people will do anything, or even harm others to achieve what they want

My old workplace is a dog eat dog company, everybody's emotionless.

The film industry is a case of dog eat dog.

Other phrases about:

Eat my dust

To be outperformed or outrun by someone, usually by a very wide margin.

May the best man win

The expression is used at the beginning of a competition to say that you hope the most fastest, strongest, or most  skilled succeed person 

wins.

A nest of vipers

A group of bad or sinful people

a fight to the finish
A fight, match or contest between two groups or people which may only end with the complete defeat of one side.
Man's Inhumanity to Man

The cruel treatment or behaviour that humans use to hurt each other

Origin of (a case of) dog eat dog

(Image Source: Decision Marketing)

The idiom appeared in 1930, related to an old proverb "Dog does not eat dog". The idiom showed that the society had become so cruel that metaphorical dog would now eat their fellow.

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to look like a drowned rat

To be very wet

Example:

Because of forgetting bringing an umbrella, I look like a drowned rat when it rains.

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