The lion's den
Meaning
A lion's den refers to a dangerous, hostile, or intimidating place or situation where one feels vulnerable and surrounded by potential adversaries.
Origin
The phrase originates from the dramatic biblical account in the Old Testament Book of Daniel. Daniel, a prophet, was cast into a den of hungry lions by King Darius as punishment for defying a decree and praying to God. Miraculously, Daniel survived the night unharmed, as an angel had shut the mouths of the lions. This powerful story etched the 'lion's den' into our collective consciousness as the ultimate symbol of confronting extreme peril or facing overwhelming odds in a hostile environment.
Examples
- He bravely walked into the board meeting, knowing he was entering the lion's den to present his controversial proposal.
- Interviewing the notoriously tough politician felt like stepping into the lion's den, but the journalist held her ground.