a lion in the way

a lion in the way

obsolete A difficulty, obstacle, or danger impeding one's progress that causes one to immediately or prematurely abandon one's duties or ambitions. I allow that there are difficulties ahead, but whenever such a problem presents itself, do not fear it as a lion in the way and be scared of facing it head on. Are you truly dedicated to this project? Or are you going to be scared off by any lion in the way that crops up? That cease-and-desist letter sure proved to be a lion in the way for our company.
See also: lion, way
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

a lion in the way

a danger or obstacle, especially an imaginary one. literary
This expression developed from a biblical phrase in Proverbs 22:13: ‘The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets’.
See also: lion, way
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
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