lion's provider

English

The jackal, from its supposed practice of finding prey for the lion.
(figurative) Any humble friend or follower.
- 1870, Thomas Wright, The bane of a life, volume 2, page 109:
  It isn't that Fan must not be a lion's provider — but she mustn't be any one else's but yours. I see now what brings you about our house so much. You want to get hold of Fan and her business and little savings for yourself, do you?