damocles

• Eigenname eines griechischen Höflings aus dem 4. Jahrhundert v. Chr., der der Legende nach von Dionysios I. unter einem an einem einzigen Haar hängenden Schwert sitzen musste, um die Unsicherheit des Glücks eines Herrschers zu veranschaulichen. Im übertragenen Sinn bezeichnet das Wort eine drohende Gefahr oder eine ständig über jemandem schwebende Bedrohung.

A proper noun referring to a Greek courtier from the 4th century BC who, according to legend, was forced by Dionysius the Elder to sit under a sword suspended by a single hair to illustrate the precarious nature of a ruler's happiness.

unzählbar · Eigenname

1. C2formal

   A legendary Greek courtier who served under Dionysius the Elder, tyrant of Syracuse, and was forced to sit under a sword suspended by a single hair to illustrate the precarious nature of power.

   Damokles

   • Damocles envied the king's wealth and power, not realizing the constant danger.
   • The story of Damocles is often used to warn about the hidden risks of high status.
   • Dionysius arranged the sword over Damocles to teach him a lesson about leadership.