Level B2 – Upper Intermediate
Reading Time – 3 minutes
Introduction: Grabbing the Biggest Piece of the Pie
Ever notice how, in group settings, some people seem to end up with the largest portion? In English, when someone takes the majority or largest part, we say they’re getting “the lion’s share.”
This powerful expression refers to claiming the biggest or best portion of something, often implying a bit of dominance.
Let’s dive into the meaning, origins, and examples of how to use “the lion’s share” in English. You’ll see how versatile and impactful this phrase can be in your conversations!
What Does “The Lion’s Share” Mean?
“The lion’s share” refers to the largest or most significant portion of something. It’s typically used to highlight situations where one person or group receives a much larger share than others.
You might use this phrase to discuss business profits, workload distribution, or even how food or resources are divided among people.
Essentially, if someone receives “the lion’s share,” they’re getting the best or biggest piece, often at the expense of others.
Origins of “The Lion’s Share”
The phrase “the lion’s share” comes from an ancient fable attributed to Aesop. In the story, a lion hunts with several other animals, and when it’s time to divide the catch, the lion claims the biggest portion for itself, citing its strength and status as justification.
Since then, the phrase has been used to describe situations where the strongest or most influential party takes the most significant share.
This fable reminds us that power can influence how resources are divided – a lesson still relevant today!
Examples of “The Lion’s Share” in Use
Here’s how you can use “the lion’s share” in different scenarios:
- Everyday Conversation:
“At the family dinner, my brother ended up with the lion’s share of the dessert. He definitely has a sweet tooth!”
- Job Interview:
“In my previous position, I often handled the lion’s share of team projects. I enjoy taking responsibility and working hard to achieve results.”
- IELTS Speaking Test – Part 3 (Discussion):
“In many organizations, it’s common for certain departments to receive the lion’s share of funding. For example, research and development may get the most resources because of their direct impact on innovation.”
- Storytelling (Casual Setting):
“When we went camping, my friend claimed the lion’s share of the food supplies. We had to remind him that we needed to ration carefully!”
- Motivational Context:
“If you want the lion’s share of success, you have to be willing to put in the lion’s share of effort.”
- Business or Work Scenario:
“In our company, the marketing team often takes the lion’s share of the budget to help boost our brand’s visibility.”
- Formal Context (Report):
“The report shows that urban areas receive the lion’s share of infrastructure investments, leaving rural communities with fewer resources.”
Call to Action: Go for the “Lion’s Share” in Your Goals!
When was the last time you went for “the lion’s share”? Share your experience in the comments, or try using this expression in a sentence.
Remember, aiming for the lion’s share in your goals requires confidence and ambition – so go for it and practice this phrase as you grow your English skills!
