every man for himself
adj1
Selfish.
- I quit show business because there was too much of an every-man-for-himself attitude going on.
- There was an every-man-for-himself attitude during the time of the Great Depression in 1930s America.
every man for himself
phraseUK, US /ˈɛv.(ə.)ɹi mæn fɔː(ɹ)hɪmˈsɛlf/
1
Nautical, Transport A command, issued in case of shipwreck, that crew members are relieved of all duties and should try to save themselves.
- Men, you have done your full duty. You can do no more. Abandon your cabin. Now it's every man for himself.1955, Walter Lord, quoting RMS Titanic captain Edward Smith, A Night to Remember, page 86:
2
Figuratively An expression of indifference, describing or advocating selfishness, lack of comradeship, etc.
- Related terms
- look out for number one, selfishness, selflessness