What is the origin of the idiom "at each other's throats" and when to use it?

The idiom "at each other's throats" originates from the imagery of animals engaged in aggressive or combative behavior, specifically focusing on the vulnerable and vital part of the neck—the throat. The phrase has been metaphorically applied to convey a sense of heightened tension, with the implication that the parties involved are engaged in a figurative struggle for dominance or superiority.