eat one's young

English - English

Definition of eat one's young in English English dictionary

To betray a constituent or charge out of self-serving interests or desperation; savaging

With bankruptcy looming, the corporation eventually began eating its young; massive layoffs were announced, and all employee benefits and bonuses were suspended.

Turkish pronunciation

it wʌnz yʌng

Pronunciation

/ˈēt ˈwənz ˈyəɴɢ/ /ˈiːt ˈwʌnz ˈjʌŋ/

Etymology

() The term is derived from the zoologic phenomenon of animals killing and consuming their own young for sustenance.