Passing Phrase - www.learnhebrew.org.il
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Chelek HaAri |
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Literally and idiomatically: The lion's share
"Chelek" means any part or portion. Abraham uses this word when talking to the five kings about the spoils of war: He stated that he didn't want anything for himself but those who went with him should take their portion: "Hem yikchu chelkam" (Genesis 12:24). The phrase is actually not Biblical nor Talmudic in origin, but rather Greek, and is taken from Aesop's Fables. Either way, how is it used? When discussing a budget, you could say, "Chelek ha-ari shel taktziv hatarbut yelech le-ochel." ("The lion's share of the culture budget will go to food.") Just one question: Has anyone actually seen a lion share? |
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