A few weeks ago I was alerted to the fact that I was using the phrase " the Lion's Share" far too often. When asked about what the cliche might mean I was at a loss. It turns out that it comes from Aesop's Fables. Thanks to google I got a quick explanation. Turns out the Lion's Share is 75% and speaks too the Lion's sense of entitlement.
The Lion went once a-hunting along with the Fox, the Jackal, and the Wolf. They hunted and they hunted 'til at last they surprised a Stag, and soon took its life. Then came the question how the spoil should be divided. "Quarter me this Stag," roared the Lion; so the other animals skinned it and cut it into four parts. Then the Lion took his stand in front of the carcass and pronounced judgment: The first quarter is for me in my capacity as King of Beasts; the second is mine as arbiter; another share comes to me for my part in the chase; and as for the fourth quarter, well, as for that, I should like to see which of you will dare to lay a paw upon it."
"Humph," grumbled the Fox as he walked away with his tail between his legs; but he spoke in a low growl ."You may share the labours of the great, but you will not share the spoil."
[The Lion's Share]
