The idiom "sword of Damocles" refers to an imminent and constant threat that hangs over someone's head, causing them to feel anxious and fearful. It comes from a Greek legend about a courtier named Damocles who was invited to sit on the throne of a king, but above his head hung a sword suspended by a single hair. Damocles realized that his position of power was precarious and that at any moment, the sword could fall and kill him.
We use this idiom to describe a situation where someone is living with the constant fear of something terrible happening. For example, a person who is in debt may feel like the sword of Damocles is hanging over their head, as they are always worried about their financial situation and the consequences of not being able to pay their bills.
In summary, the idiom "sword of Damocles" is used to describe a situation where someone is living with a constant and imminent threat, causing them to feel anxious and fearful.
• The threat of losing their jobs has been the sword of Damocles for many employees since the company announced the restructuring plan.
• The environmental crisis is the sword of Damocles that looms over humanity, threatening our very existence.
• I don't know what the sword of Damocles means.
• The constant fear of terrorist attacks is the sword of Damocles that hangs over the citizens of the capital city.
• The political scandal was the sword of Damocles that threatened to destroy the reputation of the entire government.
• She felt like the sword of Damocles was hanging over her head as she waited for the exam results.