His elbow mentality makes it hard for him to work in a team.
elbow mentality
idiomAn attitude characterized by self-interest and a willingness to prioritize personal benefit or ambition, often above the welfare of an organization or community; a willingness to elbow (verb) past others.
Origin
disputed originCalque of German Ellbogenmentalität or Ellenbogenmentalität, from Ellbogen / Ellenbogen (“elbow”) + Mentalität (“mentality”).
The office culture changed when the new manager brought an elbow mentality that encouraged everyone to compete for promotions at any cost.
In a corporate environment defined by an aggressive elbow mentality, those who prioritize collaboration often find themselves sidelined by colleagues who view every interaction as a zero-sum game.
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bend one's elbow
To drink alcoholic beverages, especially at a public house or bar.
- 02
crab mentality
A phenomenon in which a person or a group of people attempt to hinder the progress or success of others, even if such success does not directly affect their own well-being.
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elbow grease
Effort or hard work, especially physical work involving repeated motion of the forearm, such as scrubbing.