The law of the jungle
noun
A condition or state of affairs where the strongest or those best adapted to survival succeed, and the weak or less adaptable fail.
In this cutthroat business industry, it's the law of the jungle: only the strongest companies succeed.
Often appears as...
- survival of the fittest
- law of the jungle applies
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A set of codified behavior-patterns followed by animals in nature to ensure survival.
In the animal kingdom, the law of the jungle governs everything. The predator hunts and the prey runs.
Often appears as...
- follow the law of the jungle
- governed by the law of the jungle
noun
A condition or state of affairs where the strongest or those best adapted to survival succeed, and the weak or less adaptable fail.
In this cutthroat business industry, it's the law of the jungle: only the strongest companies succeed.
Often appears as...
- survival of the fittest
- law of the jungle applies
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A set of codified behavior-patterns followed by animals in nature to ensure survival.
In the animal kingdom, the law of the jungle governs everything. The predator hunts and the prey runs.
Often appears as...
- follow the law of the jungle
- governed by the law of the jungle
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Competition Context
Understand this phrase often relates to ruthless competition where only the strongest prevail.
He was fired in the first round of layoffs - the law of the jungle is brutal.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
This phrase can imply unfair or harsh conditions, suggesting an uncivilized approach to survival or success.
In the slums, it's the law of the jungle; every day is about survival.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
The phrase is used figuratively to describe situations, not actual jungles or animals.
Network television is tough - it's the law of the jungle for ratings.
Pro Tip 1/3Competition Context
Understand this phrase often relates to ruthless competition where only the strongest prevail.
He was fired in the first round of layoffs - the law of the jungle is brutal.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
This phrase can imply unfair or harsh conditions, suggesting an uncivilized approach to survival or success.
In the slums, it's the law of the jungle; every day is about survival.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
The phrase is used figuratively to describe situations, not actual jungles or animals.
Network television is tough - it's the law of the jungle for ratings.
Pro Tip 1/3Competition Context
Understand this phrase often relates to ruthless competition where only the strongest prevail.
He was fired in the first round of layoffs - the law of the jungle is brutal.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
This phrase can imply unfair or harsh conditions, suggesting an uncivilized approach to survival or success.
In the slums, it's the law of the jungle; every day is about survival.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
The phrase is used figuratively to describe situations, not actual jungles or animals.
Network television is tough - it's the law of the jungle for ratings.
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