| 释义 |
Damocles|ˈdæməʊkliːz|
[L. from Gr.]
Proper name, occurring in the expression sword of Damocles, Damocles' sword, used by simile of an imminent danger, which may at any moment descend upon one.
Damocles, a flatterer, having extolled the happiness of Dionysius tyrant of Syracuse, was placed by him at a banquet with a sword suspended over his head by a hair, to impress upon him the perilous nature of that happiness.
1747Scheme Equip. Men of War 58 Hanging over our Heads, like Damocles Sword. 1892Law Times XCII. 213/1 Little do directors and their companies know of this sword of Damocles that hangs over them.
Hence Damoˈclean a., of or as of Damocles (erron. Damoclesian).
1888Voice (N.Y.) 12 Apr., This curse hangs over their homes, like a Damoclesian sword. 1963Times 13 May 17/1 In particular, the Damoclesian sword of a veto from General de Gaulle hangs over the whole proceedings. |