a sword of Damocles hangs over (one's) head



a sword of Damocles hangs over (one's) head

One is faced with imminent danger or trouble. 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. I know his history of violent behavior, so I feel like a sword of Damocles hangs over my head whenever I'm alone with him. With the threat of nuclear war, many feel that a sword of Damocles hangs over the world's head.
See also: Damocles, hang, head, of, sword

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Willett['wilit]
Gerd (2)YERD (Swedish), GERD (English)Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Norse Mythology
A&Eth;AlbjÖRg-Icelandic, Ancient Scandinavian
Olympia-Greek, Slovak
PerttiPERT-teeFinnish
Aiolos-Greek Mythology