the sword of Damocles

Meaning: A constant threat of disaster hanging over someone.

Example: “The court case hung over the company like the sword of Damocles.”

Origin: Cicero tells how Damocles, a courtier who envied the tyrant Dionysius of Syracuse (4th century BC), was invited to sit on the throne under a sword hanging by a single horsehair, to show how precarious power is.

Equivalents in other languages

French: Une épée de Damoclès Literally: A sword of Damocles

More English idioms

lie through one's teeth To lie openly and shamelessly.
kill them all and let God sort them out A grim or joking call to act ruthlessly without distinguishing innocent from guilty.
a little bird told me I learned it from a secret source I won't name.
put one's feet up To relax and rest.
blow a gasket To lose one's temper completely.
hearts and flowers Excessive sentimentality.

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Equivalents in other languages

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