Lions, often symbols of strength and courage, have inspired numerous idioms in the English language. This post explores 20 popular lion idioms, and their meanings, and provides a brief example for each.
Lion Idioms
1. As brave as a lion
Meaning: Extremely brave and courageous.
Example: He fought the illness as brave as a lion.
2. Lion’s share
Meaning: The largest part of something.
Example: She claimed the lion’s share of the cake.
3. Lion-hearted
Meaning: Exceptionally brave or courageous.
Example: The lion-hearted girl rescued the puppy.
4. Lion in the way
Meaning: An excuse for not doing something.
Example: He always sees a lion in the way.
5. Lion’s den
Meaning: A dangerous or challenging place.
Example: He walked into the meeting, a lion’s den.
6. To beard the lion
Meaning: To confront danger or a difficult task.
Example: She bearded the lion by negotiating firmly.
7. Feed to the lions
Meaning: Sacrifice someone to save oneself.
Example: He was fed to the lions at work.
8. Lionize someone
Meaning: To treat someone as a celebrity.
Example: The town lionized the returning hero warmly.
9. Like a lion
Meaning: Very strong or fierce.
Example: He fought the attacker like a lion.
10. Twist the lion’s tail
Meaning: Provoke a powerful opponent.
Example: He loves to twist the lion’s tail.
11. A lion in winter
Meaning: Someone powerful but aging.
Example: The old general was a lion in winter.
12. March comes in like a lion
Meaning: Start of March is wild, harsh.
Example: The storm proved March comes in like a lion.
13. Lion’s mouth
Meaning: Into a place of danger or challenge.
Example: He went straight into the lion’s mouth.
14. Throw to the lions
Meaning: Put someone in a very difficult situation.
Example: He was thrown to the lions during the debate.
15. Fight like a lion
Meaning: Fight very fiercely.
Example: She will fight like a lion for her rights.
16. With a lion’s courage
Meaning: With immense bravery.
Example: He faced the crowd with a lion’s courage.
17. Take the lion by the beard
Meaning: To confront or tackle a difficult situation.
Example: He took the lion by the beard decisively.
18. Lion’s paw
Meaning: A symbol of power and control.
Example: He extended a lion’s paw in negotiations.
19. Earn one’s lion
Meaning: Achieve a great accomplishment.
Example: She finally earned her lion this year.
20. The lion roars
Meaning: A declaration of power or dominance.
Example: When he speaks, the lion roars.
Related: 20 Rat Idioms in English
