English Reference
Idiom idiom

crawl over each other


To compete with others eagerly or fiercely in pursuit of the same goal(s).

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

The applicants crawl over each other to get the job.

CONTEXTUAL

During the holiday sale, shoppers crawl over each other to grab the last few discounted items on the shelves.

COMPLEX

In the cutthroat world of high-stakes finance, ambitious junior analysts crawl over each other for a chance to secure a permanent position at the firm.


Related idioms4entries
  1. 01

    crawl before one walks

    To learn the basics before doing something at a more advanced level.

  2. 02

    crawl into a hole

    To hide or disappear due to feelings of extreme embarrassment, shame, or helplessness; to withdraw from reality.

  3. 03

    crawl with

    To include or be covered with swarms or large numbers of (something, especially insects or people); to have in great numbers or multitudes.

  4. 04

    make someone's skin crawl

    To frighten or disgust.

Last updated August 10, 2026