World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesBeard the lion in its den
/bɪəd ðə ˈlaɪ.ən ɪn ɪts dɛn/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
1 sense- 1
To challenge or confront someone formidable or hostile in their own domain, headquarters, or stronghold.
"Instead of waiting for the CEO to address the department, she decided to beard the lion in his den and present her proposal directly in his office."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
This idiom originates from the literal idea of confronting a fierce animal, such as a lion, directly within its own lair where it is most dangerous and powerful. The phrase dates back centuries in English tradition, likely drawing upon biblical and classical motifs of extreme bravery and audacity.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Beard the lion in its den"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Beard the lion in its den" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
affronter le danger chez lui
Transliteration: a-frɔ̃-te lə dɑ̃-ʒe ʃə zui
"Il a décidé d'affronter le lion dans sa tanière en visitant son rival."
jemandem in der Höhle des Löwen aufsuchen
Transliteration: ˈjeːmandəm ɪn deːɐ̯ ˈhøːlə dɛs ˈløːvən ˈaʊfsʊxn̩
"Sie ging zum Chef, um den Löwen in seiner Höhle zu trotzen."
affrontare il leone nella sua tana
Transliteration: affrontare il leone nella sua tana
"Ha deciso di affrontare il leone nella sua tana andando a parlare direttamente con il direttore."
buscar al león en su propia cueva
Transliteration: bus-kar al le-on en su pro-pi-a kwe-ba
"Fue a hablar con el jefe en su despacho, decidido a buscar al león en su propia cueva."
enfrentar o leão na sua toca
Transliteration: en-fren-tar o le-ãw na su-a to-ka
"Ele resolveu enfrentar o leão na sua toca e confrontar o chefe em sua sala."
शेर को उसकी मांद में ललकारना
Transliteration: sher ko uski mand men lalkarna
"उसने अपने बॉस के दफ़्तर में जाकर शेर को उसकी मांद में ललकारने का फ़ैसला किया।"
在虎穴中挑战强者
Transliteration: zài hǔxué zhōng tiǎozhàn qiángzhě
"他决定亲自去老板办公室，这无异于虎穴中挑战强者。"
호랑이를굴에서잡다
Transliteration: horang-ireul gures-seo jabda
Script: 호랑이를 굴에서 잡다
"그는 적의 본거지로 찾아가 호랑이를 굴에서 잡는 심정으로 담판을 지었다."
虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず
Transliteration: koketsu ni hairanzunba kozi oezu
"彼は敵の本拠地に乗り込み、まさに虎穴に入って獅子を討つような行動に出た。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA barracks or building intended for the accommodation of soldiers, usually located within a fortified place.
A secondary residence owned or rented by a family or individual, used primarily for recreational purposes, holidays, or seasonal getaways.
Not producing or containing venom; incapable of injecting poison through a bite, sting, or other mechanism.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Beard the lion in its den"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.