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eat one's young. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
eat one's young, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
eat one's young in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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eat one's young, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
The term is derived from the zoological phenomenon of animals killing and consuming their own young for sustenance.
Pronunciation
Verb
eat one's young (third-person singular simple present eats one's young, present participle eating one's young, simple past ate one's young, past participle eaten one's young)
- To betray a constituent or charge out of self-serving interests or desperation.
With bankruptcy looming, the corporation eventually began eating its young; massive layoffs were announced, and all employee benefits and bonuses were suspended.
Usage notes
This term sees significant usage in unofficial government and business contexts.