The lion’s den is a metaphor for the usual location of a dangerous person or feared authority, such as an employer. For example, a teacher’s office could be the lion’s den—if you are afraid of that teacher. Or, if one is afraid of drunk people, then any bar would be the lion’s den. In this phrase, lion has no positive connotations—only danger.
The first known use of this English idiom was the year 1680. (By itself, Den is the word for a lion’s natural home.)
Examples of “Lion’s Den” in a Sentence
- Robert knew it was a risk, but he decided to go into the lion’s den anyway to demand a promotion.
- Asking my spouse if he needs help is like walking into the lion’s den.
- You’re either extremely brave, or extremely naive, walking into the lion’s den like that.
- Samantha was sent into the lion’s den on her first day on the job, when she was asked to present to the board of directors.