SWORD OF DAMOCLES Meaning and
Definition
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Sword of Damocles refers to an ancient Greek moral allegory that symbolizes the constant presence of danger or impending doom hanging over someone. In the original myth performed by the Greek philosopher Cicero, Damocles was a courtier who demonstrated envy towards King Dionysius I of Syracuse. To teach Damocles a lesson about the burdens of leadership, Dionysius granted him a golden opportunity to sit on the throne for a day. However, above Damocles' head was a single hair suspended by a horsehair, upon which hung an unsheathed sword pointed downward.
The Sword of Damocles has become synonymous with a situation or circumstance in which an individual lives with an apprehensive sense of vulnerability or imminent peril. It represents the constant fear of living under the threat of calamity or disaster. The notion implies that power, prestige, or wealth may offer certain advantages, but they also come with great responsibilities and risks.
Metaphorically, the Sword of Damocles is often evoked to describe an intense and prevailing sense of anxiety or impending dangers that constantly hover over an individual, organization, or even a nation. It serves as a reminder that the burden of leadership comes with immense pressure, and the fear of losing everything, or facing severe consequences, can be deeply unsettling. Thus, the Sword of Damocles serves as a cautionary tale, urging individuals to consider the potential consequences of their actions and to remain vigilant and cautious amidst perceived power or success.
Common Misspellings for SWORD OF DAMOCLES
- aword of damocles
- zword of damocles
- xword of damocles
- dword of damocles
- eword of damocles
- wword of damocles
- sqord of damocles
- saord of damocles
- ssord of damocles
- seord of damocles
- s3ord of damocles
- s2ord of damocles
- swird of damocles
- swkrd of damocles
- swlrd of damocles
- swprd of damocles
- sw0rd of damocles
- sw9rd of damocles
- swoed of damocles
Idioms with the word SWORD OF DAMOCLES
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a sword of Damocles hangs over sb's head
The idiom "a sword of Damocles hangs over sb's head" refers to a constant threat or impending danger that someone is aware of and feels anxious or in fear about. It originated from an ancient Greek story about a courtier named Damocles who was invited to sit on the throne of a king, but above his head, a single sword was suspended by a horsehair to symbolize the constant danger and potential consequences of being in a position of power.
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the Sword of Damocles hangs over someone's head
The idiom "the Sword of Damocles hangs over someone's head" means that someone is constantly under the threat or imminent danger of a serious and potentially disastrous situation. It refers to a sense of impending doom or a menacing presence that could fall upon the person at any moment, similar to how a sword suspended by a single hair in ancient Greek mythology bodes imminent danger.
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the Sword of Damocles hangs over someone
The idiom "the Sword of Damocles hangs over someone" means that a constant or imminent threat or danger is constantly present, causing significant anxiety or unease. The expression is derived from a Greek legend in which Damocles, a courtier at the court of Dionysius II of Syracuse, had a sword suspended over his head by a hair, symbolizing the constant fear and insecurity he experienced while in a position of power.
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a sword of Damocles hangs over head
The idiom "a sword of Damocles hangs over head" refers to a situation where there is a constant threat or imminent danger that could cause great harm or distress. It originates from a Greek myth about Damocles, who was invited to sit on a throne with a sword suspended above him by a single horsehair. This served as a reminder of the precariousness of his position and the constant danger he faced. Thus, the idiom implies a sense of impending doom or uncertainty hanging over someone.
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the sword of Damocles hangs over (one's) (head)
The idiom "the sword of Damocles hangs over (one's) (head)" refers to a situation where there is a constant or impending threat or danger that could potentially cause harm or disaster at any moment. It symbolizes a feeling of vulnerability and the awareness that one's circumstances could change drastically or become extremely difficult in an instant.
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a sword of Damocles hangs over (one's) head
The idiom "a sword of Damocles hangs over (one's) head" refers to a constant and impending threat or danger that one is aware of and feels anxious about. It represents a situation where someone is living with a looming sense of fear or the anticipation of a negative consequence that could strike at any moment. The phrase is derived from an ancient Greek anecdote about the courtier Damocles, who was seated beneath a sword suspended by a single hair to illustrate the constant fear and insecurity experienced by those in positions of power or prominence.
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