Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, powerful, carnivorous feline mammal (Panthera leo): A large, powerful, carnivorous feline mammal (Panthera leo) native to Africa and parts of Asia, characterized by a tawny coat and, in adult males, a shaggy mane.
   • A person of great courage, strength, or importance: A person who is exceptionally brave, strong, or prominent.
   • (Astrology) Leo: The fifth sign of the zodiac, represented by the Lion, or a person born under this sign (approximately July 23 to August 22).

Usage Examples

• Noun (Animal):
  • The lion is often called the king of the jungle.
  • We heard a lion roar in the distance.
• Noun (Person):
  • He was a lion in the fight for civil rights.
  • The political lion gave a powerful speech.
• Noun (Astrology):
  • Her zodiac sign is Lion.
  • As a Lion, he is known for being confident and charismatic.

Advanced Usage

• "the lion's share": The largest or best part of something.
  • She took the lion's share of the credit for the project's success.
• "a lion in the way/path": A major, often imaginary, obstacle or difficulty.
  • He saw every minor setback as a lion in the path.
• "to beard the lion in his den": To confront a powerful or dangerous person in their own domain.
  • The reporter went to the CEO's office to beard the lion in his den.

Variants and Related Words

• Lioness (n): A female lion.
  • The lioness hunted while the male lion rested.
• Lionize (v): To treat someone as a celebrity or object of great interest.
  • The town sought to lionize the returning war hero.
• Lionhearted (adj): Exceptionally courageous.
  • The lionhearted knight faced the dragon without fear.

Synonyms

• Beast (of prey): A wild animal, especially a large carnivore.
• Celebrity: A famous person.
• Hero: A person admired for courage or noble qualities.
• Leo: The astrological sign.

Related Phrases

• "to throw to the lions": To sacrifice someone or expose them to severe criticism or danger.
  • The junior manager was thrown to the lions during the press conference.
• "to see the lions": (Archaic) To go sightseeing, especially to see famous or interesting things.
  • Tourists in London went to see the lions at the Tower.

Related Idioms

• "A lion is not (so) fierce as he is painted": Things are often not as bad or frightening as they are described to be.
  • Don't worry about the interview; a lion is not so fierce as he is painted.
• "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb": The beginning of March is often stormy and winter-like, while the end is calm and spring-like. (Note: This idiom uses "lion" metaphorically for fierceness, not referring directly to the animal).

Noun

1. the fifth sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about July 23 to August 22
2. (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Leo
3. a celebrity who is lionized (much sought after)
4. large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male