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British Lion (The)

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The pugnacity of the British nation, as opposed to the John Bull, which symbolises the substantiality, solidity, and obstinacy of the people, with all their prejudices and national peculiarities.

To rouse the British Lion is to flourish a red flag in the face of John Bull; to provoke him to resistance even to the point of war.

“To twist the lion’s tail” is a favourite phrase and favourite policy with some rival unfriendly powers.

 

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Brisk as a Bee
Brissotins
Bristol Board
Bristol Boy (The)
Bristol Diamonds
Bristol Fashion (In)
Bristol Milk
Bristol Waters
Britain
Britannia
British Lion (The)
Britomart [sweet maid]
Britomartis
Briton (Like a)
Brittany
Broach
Broad as Long
Broad Arrow
Broad Bottom Ministry (1744)
Broadcloth
Broadside

See Also:

British Lion