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.
See also: lion, way
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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
See also:
  • at doorstep
  • at (one's) doorstep
  • at (one's) expense
  • at expense
  • at somebody's expense
  • at someone's expense
  • be remembered as (something)
  • be remembered as/for something
  • be in (one's) good graces
  • be in someone's good graces