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.
