sharp elbows
Ruthlessly competitive behavior
Sharp elbows describes aggressive self-promotion or ruthless competitiveness in pursuing advancement.
Someone with sharp elbows pushes others aside—metaphorically jabbing their way forward in crowds, meetings, or career ladders: She has the sharp elbows needed to survive in politics.
The image suggests someone willing to shove past others to get what they want.
- dog-eat-dogRuthlessly self-interested competition
- power struggleContest for dominance
- cutthroatViciously competitive or murderous
- playing hardballUsing ruthless tactics
- ambitionDesire for achievement
climbing the ladder · assertiveness · hierarchy · opportunism · making waves · dominance · rivalry · self-promotion · pushing ahead · conflict · ruthlessness · office politics · pushy · social climbing · survival of the fittest · jockeying for position · competition · assertive communication
sharp elbowsteam player
One who collaborates willingly
collegial · collaborative · cooperative · supportive · selfless
sharp elbowsgracious
Pleasantly kind and courteous
warm · gentle · kind · considerate · thoughtful
sharp elbowsgentle
Soft and kind
deferential · accommodating · yielding · soft touch · mild-mannered
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