lion's den

noun

: a place or state of extreme disadvantage, antagonism, or hostility
a young reporter thrown into the lion's den

Examples of lion's den in a Sentence

He knew that he would be facing an angry crowd, but he entered the lion's den without hesitating.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Unwittingly, Forti was walking into the lion's den and police were ready to pounce. — Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2024 Lana is going into the lion's den. — Chancellor Agard, EW.com, 19 May 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lion's den was in 1680

Rhymes for lion's den

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Cite this Entry

“Lion's den.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lion%27s%20den. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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