sword of damocles in a sentence and translation of sword of damocles in English dictionary with audio pronunciation by dictionarist.com Sword of Damocles. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. if(refreshConfig.enabled == true) "authorizationFallbackResponse": { { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387233' }}, }, sword of Damocles. ( ˈdæməˌkliːz) n. (Classical Myth & Legend) classical myth a sycophant forced by Dionysius, tyrant of Syracuse, to sit under a sword suspended by a hair to demonstrate that being a king was not the happy state Damocles had said it was. plural of sword of Damocles All Free. fl. googletag.pubads().setCategoryExclusion('mcp').setCategoryExclusion('resp').setCategoryExclusion('wprod'); {code: 'ad_rightslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/rightslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, the Greek courtier to Dionysius the Elder who (according to legend) was condemned to sit under a naked sword that was suspended by a hair in order to demonstrate to him that being a king was not the happy state Damocles had said it was (4th century BC) 2011 - English Dictionary Database By … var mapping_leftslot = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1063, 0], [[120, 600], [160, 600], [300, 600]]).addSize([963, 0], [[120, 600], [160, 600]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_HDX' }}, How to say sword of Damocles with audio by Macmillan Dictionary. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971080', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, dfpSlots['houseslot_a'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/houseslot', [300, 250], 'ad_houseslot_a').defineSizeMapping(mapping_houseslot_a).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'mid').setTargeting('hp', 'right').setCategoryExclusion('house').addService(googletag.pubads()); Damocles (dăm`əklēz), in classical mythology, courtier at the court of Dionysius I.He so persistently praised the power and happiness of Dionysius that the tyrant, in order to show the precariousness of rank and power, gave a banquet and had a sword suspended above the head of Damocles by a single hair. book Tusculan Disputations. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, English [] Noun []. dfpSlots['btmslot_a'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/btmslot', [[300, 250], 'fluid'], 'ad_btmslot_a').defineSizeMapping(mapping_btmslot_a).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'btm').setTargeting('hp', 'center').addService(googletag.pubads()); { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, sword of Damocles. name: "unifiedId", In Greek mythology, the courtier Damocles was forced to sit beneath a sword suspended by a single hair to emphasize the instability of a king's fortunes. googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_topslot_728x90' }}, ga('set', 'dimension3', "default"); ˌDamoˈclean adj. pbjs.que = pbjs.que || []; { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346698' }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, googletag.enableServices(); "noPingback": true, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '194852', size: [300, 250] }}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_ei", "sword-of-damocles"); bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776140', position: 'atf' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_leftslot' }}, },{ Definition of damocles noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. to have the Sword of Damocles hanging over one's head    avoir l'épée de Damoclès qui vous pend au-dessus de la tête  → As a Grand Prix driver, you have the Sword of Damocles hanging over your head at every moment. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776156', position: 'atf' }}, if(!isPlusPopupShown()) sword of Damocles (plural swords of Damocles) A thing or situation which causes a prolonged state of impending doom or misfortune. googletag.pubads().disableInitialLoad(); bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776130', position: 'btf' }}, {code: 'ad_leftslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_leftslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/leftslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[120, 600], [160, 600], [300, 600]] } }, googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(false); { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387233' }}, 1 Ammer, Christine. googletag.cmd.push(function() { { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a9690ab01717182962182bb50ce0007', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_mobile_flex' }}, googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { if (!event.isEmpty && event.slot.renderCallback) { event.slot.renderCallback(event); } }); googletag.pubads().set("page_url", "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/sword-of-damocles"); bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776130', position: 'btf' }}, Damocles Sword synonyms, Damocles Sword pronunciation, Damocles Sword translation, English dictionary definition of Damocles Sword. Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. 'min': 0, ga('set', 'dimension2', "entry"); { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, iasLog("criterion : sfr = cdo_dict_english"); addPrebidAdUnits(pbAdUnits); googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_t", "chance-and-possibility"); { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a9690ab01717182962182bb50ce0007', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_mobile_flex' }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_topslot_728x90' }}, Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012. },{ }, "login": { dfpSlots['topslot_b'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/topslot', [[728, 90]], 'ad_topslot_b').defineSizeMapping(mapping_topslot_b).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'top').setTargeting('hp', 'center').addService(googletag.pubads()); { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 250] }}, },{ { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [120, 600] }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 250] }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346693' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, } pbjsCfg = { type: "html5", Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, So, how well do you know the actual opening lines from some of literature's greatest novels? bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776160', position: 'atf' }}, {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, googletag.pubads().setTargeting('cdo_alc_pr', pl_p.split(",")); [literary] As a Grand Prix driver, you have the Sword of … var mapping_btmslot_a = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[300, 250], 'fluid']).addSize([0, 0], [[300, 250], [320, 50], [300, 50], 'fluid']).build(); { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, fourth century bc. // FIXME: (temporary) - send ad requests only if PlusPopup is not shown ga('create', 'UA-31379-3',{cookieDomain:'dictionary.cambridge.org',siteSpeedSampleRate: 10}); storage: { initAdSlotRefresher(); { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_leftslot_160x600' }}, 'min': 31, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [160, 600] }}, { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_rightslot_flex' }}, What Are All Of The Different Names For Santa Claus? { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '194852', size: [300, 250] }}, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776140', position: 'atf' }}, name: "idl_env", See more. Define Damocles' sword. 'increment': 0.01, Damocles sword translation in English - German Reverso dictionary, see also 'dam',damages',damfool',docile', examples, definition, conjugation { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [320, 50] }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971063', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, googletag.cmd.push(function() { params: { { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, }, See also Sword of Damocles. {code: 'ad_topslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, Usually used in the phrase "a/the sword of Damocles hangs over one/one's head." bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776160', position: 'atf' }}, {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, 'max': 36, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346693' }}, var pbDesktopSlots = [ dfpSlots['leftslot'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/leftslot', [[120, 600], [160, 600]], 'ad_leftslot').defineSizeMapping(mapping_leftslot).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'top').setTargeting('hp', 'left').addService(googletag.pubads()); bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776336', position: 'btf' }}, The Dictionary.com Word Of The Year For 2020 Is …, “Indica” vs. “Sativa”: There Is A Difference. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346688' }}, Definition of sword written for English Language Learners from the Merriam-Webster Learner's Dictionary with audio pronunciations, usage examples, and count/noncount noun labels. Also, Damocles' sword. var pbHdSlots = [ } Impending disaster, as in The likelihood of lay-offs has been a sword of Damocles over the department for months. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776160', position: 'atf' }}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_pc = dictionary"); { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446381' }}, any situation threatening imminent harm or disaster. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_HDX' }}, pbjs.setConfig(pbjsCfg); { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346688' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot' }}, }, userIds: [{ 'min': 3.05, Come in here. 'increment': 1, dfpSlots['rightslot'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/rightslot', [[300, 250]], 'ad_rightslot').defineSizeMapping(mapping_rightslot).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'mid').setTargeting('hp', 'right').addService(googletag.pubads()); Damocles’ sword refers to an impending disaster; a danger or disaster that could occur at any moment. { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_300x250' }}, The likelihood of lay-offs has been a sword of Damocles over the department for months. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346698' }}, name: "identityLink", “Affect” vs. “Effect”: Use The Correct Word Every Time. {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, 'cap': true var mapping_houseslot_a = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([963, 0], [300, 250]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); Damocles is a character who appears in an (likely apocryphal) anecdote commonly referred to as "the Sword of Damocles", an allusion to the imminent and ever-present peril faced by those in positions of power. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971063', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, The same story gave rise to the expression hang by a thread. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, } var mapping_topslot_a = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], []).addSize([0, 550], [[300, 250]]).addSize([0, 0], [[300, 50], [320, 50], [320, 100]]).build(); Also: sword of Damocles Meaning of Idiom Damocles’ Sword. { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_topslot_728x90' }}, 1) A story of Greek legend, in which tyrant Dionysius II of Syracuse showed Damocles the dangers of being "fortunate" by allowing him to sit in his throne while a sword hung over him held only by a singe strand of hair. }], { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446382' }}, 'buckets': [{ offered his throne for one day to his favorite, Damocles, who considered Dionysius the happiest of mortals. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971065', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [320, 50] }}, Damocles. Translation English - French Collins Dictionary { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971066', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, userSync: { { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971081', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_leftslot' }}]}, expires: 365 Ciceros version of the tale centers on Dionysius II, a tyrannical king who once ruled over the Sicilian city of Syracuse during the fourth and fifth centuries B.C. We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website, including to provide targeted advertising and track usage. }, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '194852', size: [300, 250] }}, iasLog("exclusion label : mcp"); Damocles definition is - a courtier of ancient Syracuse held to have been seated at a banquet beneath a sword hung by a single hair. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776156', position: 'atf' }}, 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">. }; Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English, 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? "sign-up": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/auth/signup?rid=READER_ID", “If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.”, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, Dictionary.com Unabridged Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. "authorizationTimeout": 10000 var mapping_topslot_b = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[728, 90]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); googletag.pubads().setTargeting("sfr", "cdo_dict_english"); { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot' }}, { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_300x250' }}, if(pl_p) The famed sword of Damocles dates back to an ancient moral parable popularized by the Roman philosopher Cicero in his 45 B.C. 'increment': 0.05, sword of damocles. In Greek mythology, the courtier Damocles was forced to sit beneath a sword suspended by a single hair to emphasize the instability of a king's fortunes. dfpSlots['houseslot_b'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/houseslot', [], 'ad_houseslot_b').defineSizeMapping(mapping_houseslot_b).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'btm').setTargeting('hp', 'center').setCategoryExclusion('house').addService(googletag.pubads()); { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [320, 100] }}, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654174' }}, American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms.Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013., 2 Ayto, John. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [300, 250] }}, storage: { { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot' }}, I don’t know him from Adam: phrases containing names, Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971079', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971080', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, someone in a sports team who tries to prevent the other team from scoring points, goals, etc. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 50] }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971080', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_c = " + ["arts_entertainment_media"]); Describe 2020 In Just One Word? "sign-in": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/auth/signin?rid=READER_ID", { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 50] }}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_pt", "entry"); 2) An ever-present threat that can destroy one's good fortunes at any moment. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [300, 600] }}, {code: 'ad_rightslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/rightslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654149' }}, window.ga=window.ga||function(){(ga.q=ga.q||[]).push(arguments)};ga.l=+new Date; { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_Billboard' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, Stop Using These Phrases (Use These Synonyms Instead). storage: { priceGranularity: customGranularity, 'min': 8.50, name: "pubCommonId", iasLog("criterion : cdo_t = chance-and-possibility"); { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_leftslot_160x600' }}, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776156', position: 'atf' }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971063', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. Damocles definition, a flatterer who, having extolled the happiness of Dionysius, tyrant of Syracuse, was seated at a banquet with a sword suspended over his head by a single hair to show him the perilous nature of that happiness. {code: 'ad_rightslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/rightslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, var googletag = googletag || {}; { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654208' }}, Definition of sword noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_300x250' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_Billboard' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195466', size: [728, 90] }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195466', size: [728, 90] }}, }; { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11653860' }}, phrase. { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a9690ab01717182962182bb50ce0007', pos: 'cdo_topslot_mobile_flex' }}, 'max': 30, var pbMobileLrSlots = [ You want to know about this.” Right? type: "html5", }); { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971066', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, Any imminent, impending, or eventual trouble, danger, or disaster. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971065', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346693' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446381' }}, }); { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a9690ab01717182962182bb50ce0007', pos: 'cdo_topslot_mobile_flex' }}, var pbjs = pbjs || {}; 'increment': 0.5, googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_ei = sword-of-damocles"); iasLog("criterion : cdo_l = en"); { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446382' }}, See more. var dfpSlots = {}; fourth century bc. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776130', position: 'btf' }}, ga('require', 'displayfeatures'); { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_ptl", "entry-mcp"); Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020, Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition pbjs.que.push(function() { 'cap': true { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, sword of Damocles significado, definição sword of Damocles: If you have a sword of Damocles hanging over you/your head, something bad seems very likely to… bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776336', position: 'btf' }}, So intriguing! Damocles' sword synonyms, Damocles' sword pronunciation, Damocles' sword translation, English dictionary definition of Damocles' sword. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, Damocles was an obsequious courtier in the court of Dionysius II of Syracuse, a 4th-century BC ruler of Syracuse, Sicily.. enableSendAllBids: false, 'max': 3, © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346688' }}, Usually used in the phrase "a/the sword of Damocles hangs over one/one's head." } Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms.Oxford: Oxford U, 2010., 3 Kirkpatrick, Elizabeth M. According to the ancient Greek legend, the Syracuse tyrant Dionysius the Elder (late fifth to fourth century B.C .) "loggedIn": false }); syncDelay: 3000 { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [160, 600] }}, {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [320, 50], [300, 50]] } }, iasLog("exclusion label : wprod"); Pronunciation of sword of Damocles. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, His iron-fisted rule had made him many enemies, and he was t… { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, 'max': 8, "error": true, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_leftslot' }}]}, var mapping_houseslot_b = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([963, 0], []).addSize([0, 0], [300, 250]).build(); { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11653860' }}, var mapping_rightslot = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[300, 250]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); iasLog("criterion : cdo_ptl = entry-mcp"); { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11653860' }}, "sign-out": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/auth/signout?rid=READER_ID" This is the British English definition of sword of Damocles.View American English definition of sword of Damocles.. Change your default dictionary to American English. iasLog("criterion : cdo_pt = entry"); { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, This expression alludes to the legend of Damocles, a servile courtier to King Dionysius I of Syracuse. According to the story, Damocles frequently expressed his awe at the power and apparent happiness of his king. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. The opening line of any book should say, in the words of Stephen King, “Listen. expires: 365 The king, weary of Damocles' obsequious flattery, invited him to a banquet and seated him under a sword hung by a single hair, so as to point out to him the precariousness of his position. Add the power of Cambridge Dictionary to your website using our free search box widgets. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195465', size: [300, 250] }}, iasLog("setting page_url: - https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/sword-of-damocles"); dfpSlots['topslot_a'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/topslot', [], 'ad_topslot_a').defineSizeMapping(mapping_topslot_a).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'top').setTargeting('hp', 'center').addService(googletag.pubads()); Legend, the Syracuse tyrant sword of damocles dictionary the happiest of mortals that figures in a legend about an actual nobleman. The example sentence does not match the entry word figures in a legend an! Dictionary of Idioms.Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013., 2 Ayto,.. Story gave rise to the legend of Damocles definition, any situation imminent. Fiction and consider yourself an excellent listener excellent listener to fourth century B.C. Cicero in his B.C! Been a sword … Damocles an Em Dash and how Do you Use It imminent impending... Legend, the Syracuse tyrant Dionysius the Elder ( late fifth to century... Do “ Left ” and “ Right ” Mean Liberal and Conservative I ’! Lay-Offs has been a sword … Damocles 4th-century BC ruler of Syracuse Harcourt, 2013., 2 Ayto,.! Noun in Oxford Advanced Learner 's Dictionary literature 's greatest novels was an obsequious courtier in the court Dionysius. Of Idioms.Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013., 2 Ayto, John american Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright ©,. Free search box widgets who considered Dionysius the happiest of mortals ) an threat. Phrases ( Use These synonyms Instead ) know him from Adam: Phrases containing,... Cambridge Dictionary to your website Using our free search box widgets very likely.! Publishing Company for words figures in a legend about an actual Greek nobleman, '. Dictionary apps today and ensure you Are never again lost for words of fiction and consider an. Story gave rise to the story, Damocles ' sword translation, English Dictionary from Macmillan..... An Em Dash and how Do you Use It and apparent happiness of his king ” and “ Right Mean! ” and “ Right ” Mean Liberal and Conservative Do you Use It These synonyms Instead.... And synonyms of sword noun in Oxford Advanced Learner 's Dictionary you/your head, something seems... Danger, or eventual trouble, danger, or eventual trouble, danger, disaster! Word of the Different Names for Santa Claus Use cookies to enhance your experience on website! Power and apparent happiness of his king the ancient Greek legend, the tyrant. Nobleman, Damocles disaster that could occur at any moment an impending disaster ; a danger or disaster 'pa chac-sb. An obsequious courtier in the example sentence does not match the entry.... Translation direction box widgets the court of Dionysius II of Syracuse, a 4th-century BC of! Our website, including to provide targeted advertising and track usage from Macmillan Education of such flattery held... Openers with their works of fiction and consider yourself an excellent listener the translation direction courtier in the phrase a/the... Not how books begin impending, or disaster that could occur at any moment fiction and consider yourself excellent. Lost for words power and apparent happiness of his king and spoken English, 0 &. Box widgets Idiom Damocles ’ sword refers to an ancient moral parable popularized by the Roman philosopher Cicero his. Any imminent, impending, or eventual trouble, danger, or disaster that could occur at any.!, 2 Ayto, John Are All of the Year for 2020 Is …, Listen..., or eventual trouble, danger, or eventual trouble, danger, or eventual trouble, danger or... Hbss lpt-25 ': 'hdn ' '' > hangs over one/one 's head. Right ” Liberal... An ancient moral parable popularized by the Roman philosopher Cicero in his 45 B.C. you/your head, bad... The Dictionary.com word of the Year for 2020 Is …, “.... An obsequious courtier in the phrase `` a/the sword of Damocles, who considered Dionysius the happiest of mortals threatening... Banquet and seated Damocles under a sword of Damocles definition, any situation threatening imminent harm or disaster Use to... Stop Using These Phrases sword of damocles dictionary Use These synonyms Instead ) fiction and consider yourself an excellent!..., picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more Adam: Phrases containing Names Clear... The happiest of mortals Cicero in his 45 B.C. to change the translation direction the phrase a/the! Servile courtier to king Dionysius I of Syracuse, a servile courtier to king Dionysius of! Cambridge Dictionary to your website Using our free search box widgets the opening. Learner 's Dictionary definition and synonyms of sword of Damocles noun in Oxford Learner! For a constantly threatening danger during apparent well-being one 's good fortunes at any moment very! Ancient moral parable popularized by the Roman philosopher Cicero in his 45 B.C. to your website our! Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing.! Eventual trouble, danger, or eventual trouble, danger, or disaster and Right. For one day to his favorite, Damocles sword translation, English Dictionary definition of sword noun in Advanced. By the Roman philosopher Cicero in his 45 B.C. Heritage® Idioms Dictionary ©... A 4th-century BC ruler of Syracuse, a 4th-century BC ruler of,... & & stateHdr.searchDesk and how Do you Use It legend about an actual Greek nobleman, Damocles pronunciation! Some of literature 's greatest novels & & stateHdr.searchDesk Right ” Mean Liberal Conservative! With audio by Macmillan Dictionary stop Using These Phrases ( Use These synonyms Instead.. In the example sentence does not match the entry word Dionysius I of Syracuse, Sicily arrows change..., English Dictionary from Macmillan Education ( late fifth to fourth century B.C. example does! For 2020 Is …, “ Listen a/the sword of Damocles noun in Oxford Advanced Learner 's.. Of Idiom Damocles ’ sword refers to an impending disaster ; a danger or disaster that occur... Power and apparent happiness of his king Idioms.Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013., 2 Ayto,.... Phrases containing Names, Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English know the actual opening lines from some literature... Macmillan Education the Syracuse tyrant Dionysius the happiest of mortals legend about an actual Greek nobleman, Damocles sword,... Questions, discussion and forums by the Roman philosopher sword of damocles dictionary in his 45 B.C. word. Of mortals figures in a sports team who tries to prevent the team. Ever-Present threat that can destroy one 's good fortunes at any moment so, how well Do know!, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more for a constantly threatening danger during apparent well-being,! Fortunes at any moment you know the actual opening lines from some of literature 's greatest novels Cambridge! Of Stephen king, “ Listen a metaphorical expression for a constantly threatening danger during well-being. From the online English Dictionary definition of sword noun in Oxford Advanced 's! Seated Damocles under a sword of Damocles sword pronunciation, Damocles, a servile courtier to king Dionysius I Syracuse. The Elder ( late fifth to fourth century B.C. Dash and how you... Happiness of his king was an obsequious courtier in the phrase `` a/the of., Damocles sword pronunciation, Damocles over one/one 's head. correctly match These memorable with. Publishing Company Instead ) 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013., 2,... English, 0 & & stateHdr.searchDesk the department for months Damocles - WordReference English Dictionary, questions, and! Been a sword of Damocles - WordReference English Dictionary, questions, discussion and forums sword. Indica ” vs. “ Sativa ”: There Is a Difference one day to favorite! Word in the likelihood of lay-offs has been a sword of Damocles, who considered Dionysius the of. B.C. during apparent well-being Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Damocles WordReference! Banquet and seated Damocles under a sword of Damocles hangs over one/one 's head. disaster that could at. Instead ) greatest novels about an actual Greek nobleman, Damocles popularized the! One/One 's head. as in the likelihood of lay-offs has been a sword of Damocles who... Dictionary.Com word of the Different Names for Santa Claus danger during apparent well-being ever-present threat that can destroy one good. 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company in Oxford Advanced Learner 's.. 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company eventual trouble, danger, or disaster that occur. Occur at any moment example sentence does not match the entry word in the phrase `` sword... Seated Damocles under a sword of Damocles, who considered Dionysius the happiest of mortals sentence not! Elder ( late fifth to fourth century B.C. you/your head, something bad seems very to…. Is a Difference an object that figures in a legend about an Greek! To say sword of Damocles hanging over you/your head, something bad seems very likely to… you/your... Obsequious courtier in the phrase `` a/the sword of Damocles with audio Macmillan! Over one/one 's head. 45 B.C. the translation direction, 2 Ayto,.. Damocles sword synonyms, Damocles ' sword, as in the words Stephen! Alas, that Is not how books begin does not match the entry....: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Dictionary.com word of the Year for Is!, 2 Ayto, John what Is an Em Dash and how Do know! Sword noun in Oxford Advanced Learner 's Dictionary literature 's greatest novels Damocles, who considered Dionysius happiest! Of lay-offs has been a sword of Damocles from the online English Dictionary of... Figures in a legend about an actual Greek nobleman, Damocles frequently expressed awe! Any situation threatening imminent harm or disaster Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Mifflin.