Lion-skins were never had cheap.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Something difficult or dangerous to obtain usually carries a substantial cost. The lion’s skin represents a prized result whose acquisition cannot simply be assumed cheap.

What the words are saying

The image connects an impressive possession with the effort and exposure required to obtain it. It questions an expectation of gaining a demanding result while avoiding every cost of producing it. Applied to ordinary work, that cost may be preparation, time, equipment or specialised skill. A useful decision asks whether the result is worth those demands and whether a less costly alternative would serve the purpose. The saying does not supply a market price or endorse hunting animals. Its figurative value concerns the relationship between a desired outcome and the resources it requires.

Everyday example

A group budgets for careful restoration of a damaged object instead of expecting skilled work to be completed immediately for a token fee.

When to use it

Use it to consider the real demands of a difficult undertaking.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.