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Region: General | Usage example: She took the lion's share of credit for the campaign.

The lion's share

Meaning

The biggest and most valuable part.

Usage

Used when describing an unfair distribution.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Fables about lions claiming the largest share.

Used in Aesop's fables and later in English parlance.

Related Idioms

Stand the test of time

Remain valuable across periods

Throw the baby out with the bathwater

Discard something valuable while eliminating the unwanted.

Worth its weight in gold

Extremely valuable or useful.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.