nemean lion
Definition
Noun 1. A monstrous lion from Greek mythology: The Nemean Lion was a fearsome creature with impenetrable skin that was killed by the hero Heracles (Hercules) as the first of his Twelve Labors.
Usage
The term "Nemean Lion" is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this mythological creature. It is always capitalized. * In the myth, the Nemean Lion terrorized the region of Nemea. * Hercules' first labor was to slay the Nemean Lion.
Advanced Usage
- As a symbol of an invulnerable or formidable challenge: The name is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a seemingly impossible task or an opponent that is very difficult to defeat.
- Facing the incumbent champion was his Nemean Lion.
Variants and Related Words
- Nemean (adjective): Of or relating to Nemea. Often used in the compound "Nemean Lion" but can describe other things from that region (e.g., the Nemean Games).
Synonyms
- Mythological beast
- Monster (in the context of myth)
Different Meanings
This term has only one primary meaning, referring to the specific creature from Greek mythology. Any other usage is a metaphorical extension of this core meaning.
Idioms / Phrases
- A Nemean Lion task: A phrase sometimes coined to describe a Herculean or extremely difficult first task in a series.
- The initial software migration was our Nemean Lion task, but the subsequent steps were easier.
Noun
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(Greek mythology) an enormous lion strangled by Hercules as the first of his 12 labors
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