Chief pride of lions, did you say? (4)

I believe the answer is:

main

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'chief' is the definition.
('main' can be a synonym of 'chief')

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for main that I've seen before include "Chief, primary" , "Most important or greatest in size" , "associated with the Spanish?" , "Foremost" , "Ocean or principal pipe" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app