Cutthroat competition
Meaning
Intense and ruthless competition where competitors are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, even if it harms others.
Origin
The chilling term "cutthroat" first appeared in the English lexicon in the early 17th century, a stark descriptor for a murderer or villain. It quickly morphed into an adjective, painting a vivid picture of anything ruthlessly destructive or deadly. When applied to "competition," the image intensifies: it conjures a struggle so fierce that rivals are metaphorically, if not literally, trying to eliminate each other. This brutal metaphor found its perfect home in the relentless world of industrial capitalism and modern business, where the fight for market share often feels like a battle for survival, with no quarter given and every advantage exploited.
Examples
- The tech startup market is known for its cutthroat competition, where only the most innovative and aggressive companies survive.
- They found themselves in cutthroat competition for the coveted promotion, each trying to outmaneuver the other.