eat one's young

== English == === Etymology === The term is derived from the zoological phenomenon of animals killing and consuming their own young for sustenance. === Pronunciation === === Verb === eat one's young (third-person singular simple present eats one's young, present participle eating one's young, simple past ate one's young, past participle eaten one's young) To betray a constituent or charge out of self-serving interests or desperation. ==== Usage notes ==== This term sees significant usage in nursing and unofficial government and business contexts.