Rats abandon a sinking ship Meaning in English

expression

US

RATS uh-BAN-duhn uh SIN-king SHIP

UK

rats uh-BAN-duhn uh SIN-king SHIP

Definition

This saying means that when a situation becomes bad or hopeless, people who are only loyal for their own benefit quickly leave or abandon it. It's used to criticize those who escape problems instead of facing them.

Usage & Nuances

This is a metaphorical, slightly formal or literary saying. Often used to comment on people who leave failing organizations, companies, or causes. Similar expressions: 'jump ship,' 'desert a sinking ship.' Avoid using about friends in casual contexts unless jokingly.

• Spanish: las ratas abandonan el barco que se hunde
• Portuguese (BR): os ratos abandonam o navio que está afundando - os ratos abandonam o barco naufragado
• Portuguese (PT): os ratos abandonam o navio que se está a afundar
• Chinese (Simplified): 老鼠会弃船逃生
• Chinese (Traditional): 老鼠會棄船逃生
• Hindi: डूबते जहाज़ को चूहे छोड़ देते हैं
• Arabic: الفئران تهرب من السفينة الغارقة
• Bengali: ডুবে যাওয়া জাহাজ থেকে ইঁদুর পালায়
• Russian: крысы бегут с тонущего корабля
• Japanese: ネズミは沈む船から逃げる
• Vietnamese: chuột sẽ bỏ con tàu đang chìm
• Korean: 쥐는 가라앉는 배를 버린다
• Turkish: gemisi batanı fareler terk eder
• Urdu: ڈوبتے جہاز سے چوہے بھاگ جاتے ہیں
• Indonesian: tikus meninggalkan kapal yang tenggelam

Example Sentences

When the company started failing, rats abandon a sinking ship.

basic

Some workers left early, just like rats abandon a sinking ship.

basic

People often say rats abandon a sinking ship when a team is losing.

basic

When news of the scandal broke, top executives quickly resigned—rats abandon a sinking ship, right?

natural

Everyone loved the project when it was successful, but now rats abandon a sinking ship.

natural

As soon as sales dropped, the investors started pulling out—rats abandon a sinking ship.

natural