1. "Playing a dangerous game": This could refer to engaging in a risky or potentially harmful activity. It reflects the central theme of the story, where the characters literally play a deadly game.
2. "The hunted becomes the hunter": This captures the twist in the story, where the protagonist, Rainsford, initially hunted animals but then becomes the hunted himself. It could be used to describe a situation where someone who is usually in control suddenly finds themselves vulnerable.
3. "To be a man, one must conquer fear": This relates to Zaroff's philosophy and his desire to test Rainsford's courage. It could be used to describe someone who embraces danger and challenges to prove their strength.
4. "Survival of the fittest": This refers to the Darwinian concept that the strongest and most adaptable creatures will survive, a principle that Zaroff believes applies to humans as well. It could be used to describe a situation where only the most resourceful will succeed.
It's important to note that these are interpretations of the story's themes, not actual idioms. While "The Most Dangerous Game" doesn't contain a specific idiom, its themes and concepts resonate with a range of similar expressions used in everyday language.