"Crabs in a bucket" (or "crab mentality" ) is a metaphor used to describe a type of behavior characterized by envy, resentment, and destructive competition. Origin of the metaphor: When several crabs are placed in a bucket, each crab individually could easily escape. However, the group prevents this: as soon as one crab begins to climb out, others instinctively pull it back down, ensuring none of them can succeed. Meaning in a social or human context: Refers to a situation where people (often peers or members of the same group or community) hold each other back, preventing individual success out of envy, jealousy, or competitiveness. It highlights a toxic or destructive attitude, where instead of supporting or celebrating the success of others, individuals attempt to sabotage or undermine each other’s progress. Examples of "crab mentality": Workplace : Colleagues undermining another's promotion by spreading rumors or discrediting achiev...