crab mentality

English

Etymology

From the metaphor in which a pot of crabs, one crab attempts to escape over the side, but is relentlessly pulled down by the others in the pot.

Pronunciation

  • Audio (General Australian):(file)

Noun

crab mentality (plural crab mentalities)

  1. (idiomatic) A phenomenon in which a person or a group of people attempt to hinder the progress or success of others, even if such success does not directly affect their own well-being.
    Synonym: crab bucket syndrome

Usage notes

  • A way of thinking that is best described by the phrase "If I can't have it, neither can you."

Translations

See also

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