joek6 juk6 koeng4 sik6弱肉強食弱肉强食
Jyutpingjoek6 juk6 koeng4 sik6
Yaleyeuhk yuhk kèuhng sihk
Definition
The law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak.
colloquialdescriptionsother
How it's used
Often used to describe cutthroat environments like corporate offices or competitive markets rather than just biological survival. It carries a cynical tone, implying that the rules of the jungle are unavoidable in modern society. It is frequently used to justify why someone has been treated harshly or pushed out of a position.
Examples
This industry is dog-eat-dog; if you aren't fast enough, you'll be eliminated.
Do you think the world is peaceful? Actually, it's dog-eat-dog everywhere.
Related words
Common phrases
a dog-eat-dog society
full of cutthroat competition
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
