English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Dog eat dog
dog eat dog
dog-eat-dog.jpg
Dog Eat Dog Idiom Meaning, Usage, Roots, and History
The idiom "dog eat dog" means that people will do whatever it takes to succeed or gain an advantage, even if it means harming others. This phrase can be used in various situations where competition is high, such as business, politics, or sports.
Usage
- In the competitive world of finance, some companies are willing to do "dog eat dog" tactics to gain market share.
- The political candidates were accused of engaging in "dog eat dog" behavior during the campaign.
- When it comes to winning a game, players often have to resort to "dog eat dog" tactics to come out on top.
- In sports, athletes may use performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to gain a competitive advantage, even if it means risking their health or career.
- Some people believe that the business world is a "dog eat dog" environment where only the strong survive.
Roots and History
The idiom "dog eat dog" originated in medieval times when dogs were often kept as hunting companions. Hunters would share their prey with their dogs, but if there wasn't enough to go around, they might have to give their dogs nothing to eat. This scenario was described as a "dog eat dog" situation because the hunter and his dog were both competing for the same food source. Over time, the phrase became associated with competition and survival in general.
Synonyms in English
- Cutthroat business practices
- Survival of the fittest
- Every man for himself
- Competitive environment
- Dog-eat-dog politics
Synonyms in other languages
- 狗食人口 (Chinese) - This phrase literally means "dogs eat people" and is often used to describe a situation where everyone is fighting for survival.
- 狗食狗 (Spanish) - The Spanish version of the idiom has the same meaning as the English one, but it uses a different word for "dog."
- 狗食狗 (Arabic) - In Arabic, the phrase "fekak al-fikr" is used to describe a situation where people are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, even if it means harming others.
- 狗食狗 (Russian) - The Russian version of the idiom is "собаки съедят собаки," which translates to "dogs eat dogs."
- 狗食狗 (German) - In German, the phrase "hundertschaften eher Hund" is used to describe a situation where people are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, even if it means harming others.