every man for himself
Abandon collective responsibility
A declaration that cooperation has broken down and everyone must look out for their own survival or interests: When the layoffs were announced, it was every man for himself.
Often describes chaotic situations where normal social rules no longer apply—disasters, shortages, competitive scrambles.
The phrase acknowledges a ruthless reality without necessarily endorsing it.
State of utter confusion
- mayhemViolent disorder and destruction
- anarchyDisorder from absent authority
- turmoilViolent disturbance or confusion
- bedlamState of wild disorder
disorder · stampede · frenzy · commotion · scramble · free-for-all · panic · riot
Depending on oneself alone
- resourcefulnessAbility to solve problems creatively
- instinctInnate behavioral tendency
- fight-or-flightAcute threat reaction
- emergencySerious sudden danger
crisis · desperation · scarcity · competition · struggle · lifeboat · triage · rationing
Excessive desire for wealth
- self-interestConcern for personal advantage
- me-firstPrioritizing personal advantage
- self-servingBenefiting oneself primarily
- egotismInflated sense of self-importance
self-preservation · looking out for number one · individualism · self-centered · mercenary · opportunism · callous · uncaring
pandemonium
State of utter confusion
- mayhemViolent disorder and destruction
- anarchyDisorder from absent authority
- turmoilViolent disturbance or confusion
bedlam · disorder · stampede · frenzy · commotion · scramble · free-for-all · panic · riot · mad dash
self-reliance
Depending on oneself alone
- resourcefulnessAbility to solve problems creatively
- instinctInnate behavioral tendency
- fight-or-flightAcute threat reaction
emergency · crisis · desperation · scarcity · competition · struggle · lifeboat · triage · rationing · last resort
greed
Excessive desire for wealth
- self-interestConcern for personal advantage
- me-firstPrioritizing personal advantage
- self-servingBenefiting oneself primarily
egotism · self-preservation · looking out for number one · individualism · self-centered · mercenary · opportunism · callous · uncaring · indifferent
- self-interestself-interest, selfishness, egoism, look out for number one, self-preservation
- greedgreed, avarice, covetousness, cupidity, materialism
- independencefreedom, liberty, Independence Day, autonomy, sovereignty
every man for himselfteamwork
Joint effort toward shared aim
solidarity · collective action · cooperation · mutual aid · united we stand
every man for himselfself-sacrifice
Surrendering for others' benefit
greater good · no man left behind · altruism · heroic sacrifice · taking one for the team
every, himself, manhood, mankind, manlike, selfhood, selfish, selfless