The idea that if you do not work your ass off, then someone else will
beat you to it and potentially take advantage of you. It is the concept of fighting to be
the best and come out on top or else you'll just be another unimportant
number.
A fight or flight mechanism where only the strong win and survive.
Friend: "How'd you get that promotion and come out on top?'"
Me: "I worked harder than everyone else, didn't take
shit from anyone, never quit, and beat everybody else to it."
Friend: "Hell yeah bro! Eat or be eaten!"