0 used to refer to people leaving a place, organization, activity, etc. very quickly and in large numbers, because it is failing in some way:
Former friends have deserted the couple like rats leaving a sinking ship.
His aides could finally depart for lucrative private sector jobs without looking like rats deserting a sinking ship.
НОВИ ДУМИ
European
May 10, 2021
ДУМАТА НА ДЕНЯ
Shimmer
like rats leaving a sinking ship
