damocles

• Nome próprio referente a um cortesão grego do século IV a.C. que, segundo a lenda, foi forçado por Dionísio, o Velho, a sentar-se sob uma espada suspensa por um único fio de cabelo, para ilustrar a precariedade da felicidade dos governantes. Por extensão, designa uma ameaça iminente ou um perigo que paira sobre alguém.

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.

incontável · nome próprio

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.

   Dâmocles

   • 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.