Brewer's: Twisting the Lion's Tail

Seeing how far the “Britishers” will bear provocation. “To give the lion's tail another twist” is to tax the British forbearance a little further. No doubt the kingdom is averse to war with civilised nations, and will put up with a deal rather than apply to the arbitration of arms. Even victory may be bought too dearly. Such provocation may provoke a growl, but there will the matter end.

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