The idiom "every man for himself" means that everyone should take care of themselves and not expect any help or support from others. It is often used to describe a situation where people are competing against each other and there is no sense of teamwork or cooperation.
For example, if a group of people are stranded on a deserted island with limited resources, they might start to feel like "every man for himself" as they struggle to survive and find food and water. In this situation, each person would need to look out for themselves and not rely on others to provide for them.
The idiom can also be used in a more figurative sense, such as in a competitive job market where people are competing for the same positions. In this case, it means that each person needs to work hard and do their best to stand out from the crowd, rather than relying on others to help them get ahead.
Overall, "every man for himself" is a reminder that sometimes we need to be self-reliant and take responsibility for our own well-being, especially in challenging or competitive situations.
• When the ship started to sink, the passengers realized it was every man for himself as they scrambled for the lifeboats.
• The political climate was so divisive that it seemed like every man for himself, with no regard for the greater good.
• In a survival situation, it's every man for himself.
• The competition was so intense that it was every man for himself trying to win the prize.
• In times of crisis, it's unfortunate that people often adopt an every man for himself mentality instead of working together.
• When the company announced layoffs, it became every man for himself in the office.