A phrase used to describe the situation when people start to leave or abandon something or someone when difficulties arise. It refers to the idea that rats are the first to abandon a sinking ship.
Examples
- Spanish: Tan pronto como la empresa empezó a tener problemas financieros, los empleados empezaron a renunciar. Es cierto que 'cuando se está hundiendo el barco salen todas las ratas'.
- English: As soon as the company started having financial difficulties, employees began to resign. It's true that 'when the ship is sinking, all the rats come out'.