Damocles was a courtier of Dionysius, tyrant of Syracuse. He used to magnify the fate, the wealth and the power of his lord. But these, to let him know that the life of a tyrant is not all roses, made him sit with him to lavish meals, but with a heavy sword hanging from the ceiling for a horse hair in the direction of the head. So that from moment to moment the wire could break and conficcarglisi sword over his head. Damocles, terrified, begged Dionysius to be dispensed from the top honor of sitting at the royal table. Hence the phrase "Sword of Damocles" to say danger or threat that does not give you rest.
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