What is pounce on? How to use in English

The origin of the phrase "pounce on" can be traced back to the Old French word "poncer," which meant "to press down on" or "to thrust forward." The verb "poncer" was derived from the Old French noun "ponce," which referred to a lioness's push or attack at a prey. The phrase "pounce on" entered the English language in the late 16th century, originally used to describe a lioness's swift and sudden attack on her prey. Over time, the meaning of the phrase evolved to describe other actions that resemble the swiftness and intensity of a lioness's attack, such as sudden movements, surprising actions, or quick decisions. For example, "He pounced on the opportunity to promote himself" means that he acted quickly and decisively to take advantage of a situation, while "She pounced on him with a list of demands" means that she moved quickly and forcefully to present her requirements. Today, the phrase "pounce on" is widely used in English, both in spoken and written language, and it continues to evoke images of swiftness, intensity, and forcefulness, much like the original meaning of "poncer" in Old French.