"Sword of Damocles". The origin of phraseology

In our life we often use different phraseological units and colorful idioms, sometimes even without thinking about the origin of these stable expressions. Every self-respecting intellectual and, in general, some kind of literate person should understand this issue. Today, let's talk about the phraseology "Damocles sword." This is a fairly common concept. To all of us the well-known expression that came to our everyday life from the ancient Greek myths - "Damocles sword" - is very popular in modern culture and politics.

"Sword of Damocles". Legend

According to legends, a long time ago some Greek state was ruled by a famous tyrant named Dionysius, who had immeasurable power and wealth. Dionysius was the sole ruler, the tsar, the autocrat, and everything he had in abundance: he had a good environment, loyal and obedient subjects, a prosperous state, countless riches that were measured in tons of gold and everyday feasts. The existence of Dionysius did not differ much from the existence of all tyrants of those times: he spent time on the battlefield, with a glass of good wine, and with amusements. From the side, Dionysius's life seemed cloudless, light and carefree.

Undoubtedly, such a life evoked great envy of those around: everyone wanted to be "in the skin" of the king, dreaming of enjoying having unlimited power and wealth. And to our times, alas, this error has been preserved, as if the life of politicians is easy and carefree, like a boat roaming the golden ocean. And there was one of Dionysius's closest people, Damocles, who dreamed of becoming the sole king. Damocles did not conceal his desires and openly expressed his intentions to the tsar. Then Dionysius decided to teach Damocles a lesson and show that being king means to bear the heavy burden of responsibility, to remain in constant fear and eternal expectation of a dirty trick or attacks from close or foreign enemies. He wanted to destroy the illusory perception of the royal life of Damocles and, in general, all the courtiers who compared it with boundless happiness.

So, Dionysius, in order to prove this, decided to conduct an unusual experiment.

He placed Damocles on his throne and ordered the environment to give him royal honors and completely obey. Damocles was beside himself with happiness and at the same time believed everything unconditionally. And now, enthusiastic, he rolls his eyes to heaven, as if thanks to the gods for such mercy. But it was not there. What did he see over his head? The sword hanging on the horse's hair just above it with the point down! At any moment, this sword could fall and pierce Damocles' head. He was also called the "Damocles sword" - an obstacle on the way to pleasures and serenity.

In this way, Dionysius clearly demonstrated to all observers the true position of any ruler of the state. That's where the expression "Damocles sword" came from. By the way, this myth is included in the general education program. So any average citizen should know this story.

Now the expression "Damocles sword" is used in the event that a person is trapped by a possible danger, ready to attack him at any time.