Episode 262: The Lion's Share

 

This week Shauna and Dan take The Lion's Share. Apparently, this concept has been around since before English. (Shauna says Aesop didn't speak English. Citation Needed.) Bonus: Cheese mongers, pumpkin pies, and Walter with a banana joke

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Bunny Trails: A Word History Podcast
Episode 262: The Lion’s Share
Record Date: January 12, 2025
Air Date: January 15, 2025

Intro

Dan:
Welcome to Bunny Trails, a whimsical adventure of idioms and other turns of phrase.

I’m Dan Pugh

Shauna:
And I’m Shauna Harrison

Each week we take an idiom or other turn of phrase and try to tell the story from its entry into the English language, to how it’s used today.


Opening Hook
One time during the holidays, my family had many delicious food dishes including amazing desserts. We were all gathered around, making plates, when my brother caught everyone’s attention. He had taken a massive piece of pumpkin pie. My dad said, “Well, it looks like you got the lion’s share.”

Meaning
Oxford English Dictionary tells us, “lion’s share” means,

Quote
the largest or principal portion
End quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/lion_n?tab=meaning_and_use#39255799


Aesop's Fables
The concept of the lion’s share has been around for a very long time. In fact, “The Lion's Share” is the title of one story from a collection of fables that have been credited to Aesop, who was a slave and a storyteller. It is believed that he lived between 620 and 560 BCE in ancient Greece.

Aesop’s fables were printed in English for the first time around 1484 CE. The translation was done by William Caxton.

I love the Library of Congress’ interactive Aesop Fables series titled, The Aesop for Children. Each story has a moving illustration and is well-written, but simplified to allow for younger learners to more easily understand them.

Quote
The Lion's Share

A long time ago, the Lion, the Fox, the Jackal, and the Wolf agreed to go hunting together, sharing with each other whatever they found.

One day the Wolf ran down a Stag and immediately called his comrades to divide the spoil.

Without being asked, the Lion placed himself at the head of the feast to do the carving, and, with a great show of fairness, began to count the guests.

"One," he said, counting on his claws, "that is myself the Lion. Two, that's the Wolf, three, is the Jackal, and the Fox makes four."

He then very carefully divided the Stag into four equal parts.

"I am King Lion," he said, when he had finished, "so of course I get the first part. This next part falls to me because I am the strongest; and this is mine because I am the bravest."

He now began to glare at the others very savagely. "If any of you have any claim to the part that is left," he growled, stretching his claws meaningly, "now is the time to speak up."

Might makes right.
End quote
https://read.gov/aesop/141.html

The phrase "lion's share" may have originated from fables like "The Lion's Share”. In this story, the lion uses his power to take more than what would be considered fair and additionally focuses on the lion’s use of strength or authority to override fairness.

We can't definitively track the origin of the phrase to this specific story, but the Aesop Fables have a strong popularity throughout history. So it is likely to have influenced the familiarity and popularity of "the lion's share" being used to refer to a person taking the largest portion, often unfairly.

Focusing back on “the lion’s share” - the phrase is sometimes used in this way - to express not only that someone has taken a large portion or the biggest portion, but that they have done so unjustly.


1790
When did the figurative sense of “the lion’s share” become popular in printed works? This occurred closer to the late 1700’s.

The phrase was used in the piece “Reflections on the Revolution in France” by Edmund Burke. This was in a letter intended to have been sent to a gentleman in Paris.

Quote
Where the letting of their land was by rent, I could not discover that their agreements with their farmers were oppressive; nor when they were in partnership with the farmer, as often was the case, have I heard that they had taken the lion's share. The proportions seemed not inequitable.
End quote
https://publicpolicy.pepperdine.edu/academics/research/faculty-research/french-revolution/reflections.htm

Essentially, Burke was saying that, in the partnership, neither side acted selfishly or disproportionately to the detriment of the other. And compares this to how a lion might claim the majority in an unfair or forceful way… so he was using the lion’s share as a contrast to the situation.

The excerpt is available thanks to the Pepperdine School of Public Policy in Malibu, California. I greatly appreciate those who make efforts to provide access to historical documents for the public.  

1805
The phrase continued to be in use, often in political or social commentary. Here is an example from the Norfolk gazette and publick ledger from April 29, 1805, out of Norfolk, Virginia.

Quote
“Does it violate your rights, to say we have some rights also? Is it political intolerance in us to claim a proportionate share? - What the deuce! Can you not harmonize in society, unless you have everything in your own hands? Fie for shame - leave it to me, and I will cut up the carcass, and make a fair division of it."

Look, readers, at the paper to which we allude, and there you will find all this written. He had, like VARRO, been too rash, and incurred the risk of defeat; he now resolved to play FaBius, and temporise - "I only mean to take a proportionate share, says he - But with a silent mental reservation, to make it the Lion's share
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85025815/1805-04-29/ed-1/seq-2/#date1=1800&index=1&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=Lion+share&proxdistance=5&date2=1820&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=lion%27s+share&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1

So this time, the statement is that the person claims to only take an appropriate share but in reality will take more than is deserved in time.

1836
Henry Taylor’s 1836 work, titled The Statesman, is a political treatise. He discusses the duties and characters of a statesman, and describes the ideal qualities of someone in public service.

Quote
Again, in the view of those duties to which I would point, let this be included, - that the department of the highest authority in the state should always be ready to take the lion's share of responsibility and labour, where the importance of the affair invites it.
End quote
https://books.google.com/books?id=zmwBAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=lion's%20share&f=false

In Taylor’s work, “the lion’s share” is used merely to indicate the amount of responsibility and work. An individual taking this particular lion’s share - would be seen in a positive light.

1847
The next item comes from the Tri-weekly journal out of Evansville, Iowa, dated June 15, 1847.

Quote
Some of Mr. Owen's friends are disposed to quarrel with us for charging him with neglecting his district. They say he has done wonders for the district, that heretofore when officers were to be selected our claims were entirely overlooked by the General Government, but Mr. Owen has been so indefatigable in his exertions that at last he has succeeded in dividing the spoils with other sections, and they tell us he has secured the lion's share. Well,
Well,
we acknowledge the corn: He has secured the lion's share sure enough, and the people are benefitted, we suppose.
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86058890/1847-06-15/ed-1/seq-2/#date1=1800&index=0&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=lion+share&proxdistance=5&date2=1850&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=lion%27s+share&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1


1872
From the publication Punch, or the London Charivari, June 22, 1872 out of London, England. This is a comedic publication and our excerpt is from a piece titled, FINE ARTS.

Quote
Yet, after all, the arts which most affect Society are assuredly not those which occupied the life-study of Raphael and Rembrandt. Brag of our Art-culture as vainly as we may, Society cares far less to study the fine art of Rubens or Reynolds, than to heed the culture of such fine arts as the following:

The art of finding a rich friend to make a tour with you in autumn, and of leaving him to bear the lion's share of the expenses.
End quote
https://archive.org/details/punch62a63lemouoft/page/252/mode/2up

We’re going to look at a few more of these “fine arts which you can watch in our behind the scenes video. The behind the scenes video for each episode is available on our Patreon every Friday at patreon.com/bunnytrailspod.

1894
The phrase was used in a joke in the San Antonio Daily Light, July 14, 1894 out of San Antonio, Texas.

Quote
Mother - Walter, see that you give Beatrice the lion's share of that banana.
Walter - Yes, mamma.
Beatrice - Mamma, Walter hasn't given me any.
Walter - Well, that's all right. Lions don't eat bananas
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86090439/1894-07-14/ed-1/seq-9/#date1=1860&index=1&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=lion+share&proxdistance=5&date2=1900&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=lion%27s+share&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1

1917
Our next item comes from the Evening Public Ledger July 30, 1917 Night Extra edition, out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In the Pictorial Section which is labeled as the around town, updates and gossip section - essentially, old fashioned facebook - one spread is filled with photos and short little snippets featuring who’s who in the area and what their recent activities have been. The tagline at the top of the page reads,

Quote
Philadelphia contributes a lion's share of the interesting news of the day.
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045211/1917-07-30/ed-1/seq-19/#date1=1912&index=0&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=LION+SHARE&proxdistance=5&date2=1941&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=lion%27s+share&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1

1960
The phrase is seen in a lot of ad spaces. One that stood out to me was a comic strip ad titled "Literary Lion Roars at Big Car Costs". This was published in the May 22, 1960 edition of the Evening Star, out of Washington DC.

Quote
Rambler Deep-Dip Rustproofing

And you get the lion's share of resale value with Rambler. It is officially highest" he roared. "Single-Unit" construction and Deep-Dip* rustproofing save you hundreds of dollars in depreciation."
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045462/1960-05-22/ed-1/seq-158/#date1=1936&index=3&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=lion+share&proxdistance=5&date2=1963&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=lion%27s+share&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1

*Pioneered by American Motors

We have several modern uses to cover and we’ll get to those, right after we say thank you to our sponsors.

A Quick Thank You
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Modern Uses

1987 - 2018
First up in our modern uses is a music group. Founded in Sundsvall, Sweden in 1987 by guitarist Lars Chriss and keyboardist Kay Backlund, LION’S SHARE immediately began perfecting their brand of classy, commercial hard rock through intensive rehearsals and live performances, eventually winning the first prize at a national band competition the following year.

Notably, they released an album in 2007 with guest musicians from bands like Chimaira, KISS, and Megadeth. The band was invited to perform at Manowar's festival in Germany - The Magic Circle.

The group has been through twists and turns and as many cast changes as any good rock band. They’ve released music as recently as 2018.
https://www.lionsshare.org/x

2012
The Lion's Share is a 2012 Picture Book, by author and illustrator Matthew McElligott. Here is a synopsis,

Quote
When Ant receives a special invitation to dine with Lion, she is ready to be on her best behavior. During dessert, the other guests do not mind their manners, and by the time the dessert cake reaches Ant, barely a crumb is left for her to share with the King! Baking a cake seems like the perfect way to make it up to him . . . until the other guests turn her kind gesture into a contest. Exactly how many cakes are fit for a king?
End quote
https://www.amazon.com/Lions-Share-Matthew-McElligott/dp/0802723608
https://shop.scholastic.com/teachers-ecommerce/teacher/books/the-lions-share-9780545512176.html

2019
Lion's share is a 2019 oil on canvas painting by artist Anne Zamo of France. It is a still life painting of a little white mouse on a big piece of cheese roquefort.
https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Lion-s-share/859093/4987153/view

I like this one. The little mouse is kinda cute.

2019
Another art piece found on SaatchiArt is also a 2019 work, titled, “The Lion’s Share” - an acrylic on canvas painting by Kenneth Abraham of the United States. Here are his comments about the piece,

Quote
Feline World 🌎 Keep them coming ‼
Infernal portraits of Cats in acrylic on canvas.
I love Gauguin and Matisse.
My Cat Ian also inspired this painting.
My viewers are modern, ironic admirers of authentic painting.
I live in the world of A.I. - the digital world and I like to do everything handmade.
End quote
https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-The-Lion-s-Share/2395545/11426599/view

2019
ReMastered: The Lion's Share is a show that premiered on Netflix in 2019.

Quote
After discovering the family of Solomon Linda, the writer of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," a reporter tries to help them fight for fair compensation.
End quote
https://www.netflix.com/title/80191050
https://youtu.be/YdzdsWkMfVg?si=ECbuHrTn4KAQsOAJ

2022
There is also a related novel that discusses topics such as ethnomusicology and copyright law, in the context of post apartheid South Africa, as well as the racial and societal aspects of the issue. The book is titled, "Lion′s Share: Remaking South African Copyright" by Veit Erlmann, published in 2022.
https://www.dukeupress.edu/lions-share

Current
The Lion's Share Fund works towards “safeguarding animal welfare and creating a world where biodiversity flourishes.” The overview from their website states,

Quote
A multi-partner platform for private sector corporations, philanthropists, foundations, and global/local non-governmental organizations, the Lion’s Share Fund tackles current wildlife conservation and animal welfare crises by redirecting advertising funds to augment biodiversity and sustainable animal-care practices.
End quote
https://mptf.undp.org/fund/lns00

Current
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, whose mascot is - you guessed it - a lion, supports their students with the following program,

Quote
Lion’s Share connects UAFS students to scholarships made possible by the generous support of private donors. This simple online application gives students another resource to help pay for college.
End quote
https://uafs.edu/tuition-and-aid/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/lions-share.php

Current
The Lion’s Share is a restaurant in San Diego, California. Here is a little from their website,

Quote
Our vision is quite simple: it is our desire to offer food and cocktails with only the best ingredients, prepared meticulously for your enjoyment. We will skip the pretense often associated with an establishment of this nature, and instead offer you our undivided attention, knowledge and appreciation.

Please, do not hesitate to ask any questions or make suggestions. It is our assurance that you will not meet a more accommodating staff. So, sit back, dismiss the worries of your day and enjoy your share.
End quote
https://www.lionssharesd.com/

A clever turn of the phrase at the end, there. Enjoy your share - aka, the lion’s share.  


Wrap up:
The Lion's share is a great phrase. It's definitely idiomatic, in that it doesn't completely make sense if taken literally. However, I do think it lends itself to being understood in context. And it offers a lot of versatility. Personally, though, whether it's physical labor or dessert, it might be best to exercise moderation. I think I'll go ahead and leave the lion's share for the group.

Shauna:
That’s about all we have for today. If you have any thoughts on the show, or pop culture references we should have included, reach out to us on Patreon, patreon.com/bunnytrailspod, or comment on our website, bunnytrailspod.com

Dan:

It’s poll time!

Recently we asked our Patrons, If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who would it be?

The winner was: A World Leader, which included Political, Religious, and Other Leaders.

In second place was: A Family Member. That's sweet.

Shauna:
Picking just one is another of those things that gives choose-your-favorite-child vibes for me. It feels impossible… but I went with my gut and I’d have dinner with my Granny Dee. She was a remarkable woman and I’d love to talk to her now that I’m a little older, a little wiser.

Jan shared:
Quote
I'm going with Benjamin Franklin. A lot of history there, plenty of writings by and about him. It would be interesting to get the real feel of who he was, what inventions he was working on, and his trips around Europe in the 1700s.
End quote

And Heather adds:
Quote
My first thought was Abraham Lincoln, but when I really consider it, I'd love to share a meal with my grandfather Franklin, who passed before I was born. I've heard so many stories of him, it would be great to actually meet and talk to him.
End Quote

Dan:

My top 3 have long been set, with Harry S. Truman being my first choice. He made the final decision to drop the bomb on Japan and, as a long-time crisis manager, I'd like to get a feel for what he considered like the arguments he heard for and against, and the things that weighed on his mind as he made that decision. Runners up would include Benjamin Franklin and Jesus of Nazareth.

But as I get older, and more of my friends and loved ones are gone from this life, I have many people I’d love to have dinner with one more time.

We’ll close out with JGPs thoughts:

Quote
Assuming language wasn't an issue my choice would be Ching Shih, the woman who commanded between 40,000 and 60,000 pirates and 400 ships and basically controlled the South China Sea in the early 1800s before she negotiated a pardon that included a noble title and a lot of money and then retired. Everything I've ever read about her life sounds fascinating.
End Quote

Shauna:
Such fascinating choices! I want to just sit and listen to all of these dinner conversations.

Dan:
As a reminder, our silly polls mean absolutely nothing and are not scientifically valid. And patrons of all levels, including our free tiers, can take part. Head over to patreon.com/bunnytrailspod to take this week’s poll!

Outro

Dan:
Thanks for joining us. We’ll talk to you again next week. Until then remember,

Together:
Words belong to their users.