Video: "Sword of Damocles". The origin of phraseology
2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:44
In our life we often use various phraseological units and colorful idioms, sometimes even without thinking about the origin of these set expressions. Every self-respecting intellectual and, in general, any literate person should understand this issue. Today we will talk about the phraseological unit "Sword of Damocles". This is a fairly common concept. We all know the expression that came into our everyday life from ancient Greek myths - "Sword of Damocles" - is very popular in modern culture and politics.
"Sword of Damocles". Legend
According to legend, a long time ago a certain Greek state was ruled by a famous tyrant named Dionysius, who had immeasurable power and we alth. Dionysius was the sole ruler, the autocratic king, and he had everything in abundance: he had a good environment, loyal and obedient subjects, a prosperous state, incalculable we alth, which was measured in tons of gold and everyday feasts. The existence of Dionysius differed little from the existence of alltyrants of those times: he spent time on the battlefield, for a glass of good wine, but for fun. From the outside, the life of Dionysius seemed cloudless, easy and carefree.
Undoubtedly, such a life caused great envy of others: everyone wanted to be "in the shoes" of the king, dreaming of enjoying unlimited power and we alth. And to our times, alas, this misconception has survived that the life of politicians is easy and carefree, like a boat sailing on a golden ocean. And there was one person closest to Dionysius - Damocles, who dreamed of becoming the sole king. Damocles did not hide his desires and openly expressed his intentions to the king. Then Dionysius decided to teach Damocles a lesson and show that to be a king means to bear a heavy burden of responsibility, to be in constant fear and eternal expectation of a trick or attacks from close or foreign enemies. He wanted to destroy the illusory perception of the royal life of Damocles and, in general, of all the courtiers who compare it with boundless happiness.
So, Dionysius, to prove it, decided to conduct an unusual experiment.
He put Damocles on the throne instead of himself and obliged the entourage to give him royal honors and undividedly obey. Damocles was beside himself with happiness and at the same hour believed everything unconditionally. And now, enthusiastic, he rolls his eyes to heaven, as if thanking the gods for such mercy. But it was not there. What did he see above his head? A sword hanging from a horsehair right above him, point down! This sword at any moment could fall and pierceDamocles head. It was called the "Sword of Damocles" - an obstacle to pleasure and serenity.
In this way, Dionysius clearly demonstrated to everyone who was watching the true position of any ruler of the state. This is where the expression "Sword of Damocles" comes from. This myth, by the way, is included in the general education program. So any average citizen should know this story.
Now the expression "Sword of Damocles" is used when a possible danger lies in wait for a person, ready to fall on him at any time.
Recommended:
The history of the origin and version of the origin of the surname Anisimov
The ancient type of Slavic generic names was formed from the full form of the baptismal church name of the ancestor. Most of the Russian surnames originated from baptismal names, which were contained in the church calendar - the holy calendar. According to Christian tradition, the child was named after a saint revered by the church on the birthday or baptism of the baby
The origin, history and origin of the surname Balashov
The centuries-old history of mankind keeps many family names. The history of the origin of each of them is interesting, unique and inimitable. The origin of surnames is connected with the regions of residence of our ancestors, their professions, way of life, traditions, foundations, customs, characteristic features of appearance or character. This article will discuss the origin, history and origin of the name Balashov
Spreading cranberry: the meaning and origin of phraseology
Have you ever heard the expression: "spreading cranberry"? Have you ever wondered what it means and where it came from in Russian? In this article, we invite you to learn everything about this interesting idiom
The origin of the surname Uvarov: roots, history of origin, meaning
The number of now known surnames is huge. Some originate from appearance or character traits, others from the type of activity or place of residence. You always want to know the origin of your last name - who were your ancestors, whose last name you now bear. In this article, we will consider the origin of the surname Uvarov, its meaning, etymology, who wore it from famous people
Roman sword "Gladius": history and description of weapons
History is known about the high level of training, the perfection of logistics and tactics of the legionnaires of the Roman Empire. Of no small importance in achieving the success of many of the military campaigns of ancient Rome was the quality of the equipment of its army. One of the most common types of weapons at that time, which was equipped with its personnel, was the Roman sword
