CentralNotice From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to navigation Jump to search Live crabs in a bucket Crab mentality , also known as crabs in a bucket (also barrel , basket , or pot ) mentality , is a way of thinking best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you". [1] The metaphor is derived from a pattern of behavior noted in crabs when they are trapped in a bucket. While any one crab could easily escape, [2] its efforts will be undermined by others, ensuring the group's collective demise. [3] [4] [5] The analogy in human behavior is claimed to be that members of a group will attempt to reduce the self-confidence of any member who achieves success beyond the others, out of envy , resentment , spite , conspiracy , or competitive feelings, to halt their progress. [6] [7] [8] [9] Impact on performance [ edit ] Crab mentality affects perform...