eating one's young

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)

1. To betray a constituent or charge out of self-serving interests or desperation.
   • With bankruptcy looming, the corporation eventually began eating its young; massive layoffs were announced, and all employee benefits and bonuses were suspended.