the lion's share

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase the lion's share, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression the lion's share used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "the lion's share"

Meaning

The phrase 'the lion's share' refers to an overwhelming majority or the largest portion of something, usually referring to the amount of money or resources. The phrase conveys the idea of one person or entity taking the majority of something, leaving crumbs for others. In other words, having the most significant amount of something in comparison to others.

Etymology

The phrase 'the lion's share' has origins in ancient Greek and Roman mythology. This phrase came from the story of The Lion and the Four Oxen. In this story, a lion is said to have divided a dead animal into five parts, with the lion taking the largest piece. Since that time, 'the lion's share' has been used to refer to an unfair division of resources.

Usage

This phrase is widely used in many different contexts, both in speech and in writing. It is used to describe any situation where one person or entity has taken the majority of something, leaving the rest for others. It can also be used to describe any situation where unfairness or discrepancies occur, to refer to a large portion of something. For example, in business negotiations, one party may make the argument that they should receive the lion's share of a profit margin.

Example Sentences

• The singer made off with the lion's share of the ticket sales.
• The company was left with the lion's share of the responsibility.
• The majority of the inheritance went to the eldest son, giving him the lion's share.

As the phrase ‘the lion’s share’ is so widely used, it can be used in many other contexts and situations. Whether referring to a large venture, a business endeavor, or a personal agreement between friends, the phrase can be used to refer to an unequal and unfair division of resources.

Idioms with similar meaning

"Don't judge a book by its cover" is an English idiom that means you shouldn't make assumptions about someone or something based solely on its appearance. In Japanese, the similar idiom is "Hana yori dango," which translates to "Dumplings rather than flowers." This idiom means that substance is more important than appearance.