英语词汇hang by a thin thread的起源、历史背景-英语词源词典

hang by a thin thread. The flatterer Damocles annoyed Dio- nysus the Elder of Syracuse with his constant references to the ruler’s great power and consequent happiness. Deciding to teach the sycophant the real perils of power, he invited Damo- cles to a magnificent banquet, surrounding him with luxuries only a king could afford. Damocles enjoyed the feast until he happened to glance up and see a sharp sword suspended by a single thin thread pointing directly at his head, after which he lay there afraid to eat, speak, or move. The moral was “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown”—that there are always threats of danger, fears, and worries that prevent the powerful from fully enjoying their power, the sword of Damocles symbolizing these fears. From this fifth-century story, recounted by both Cicero and Horace, comes our expression to hang by a thin thread, to be subject to imminent danger.

词汇	hang by a thin thread
词源	hang by a thin thread. The flatterer Damocles annoyed Dio- nysus the Elder of Syracuse with his constant references to the ruler’s great power and consequent happiness. Deciding to teach the sycophant the real perils of power, he invited Damo- cles to a magnificent banquet, surrounding him with luxuries only a king could afford. Damocles enjoyed the feast until he happened to glance up and see a sharp sword suspended by a single thin thread pointing directly at his head, after which he lay there afraid to eat, speak, or move. The moral was “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown”—that there are always threats of danger, fears, and worries that prevent the powerful from fully enjoying their power, the sword of Damocles symbolizing these fears. From this fifth-century story, recounted by both Cicero and Horace, comes our expression to hang by a thin thread, to be subject to imminent danger.
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