Demokles’in kılıcı
Literal Translation
The idiom literally means “the sword of Damocles.”
Meaning and Usage
In Turkish, Demokles’in kılıcı refers to a constant danger or threat that hangs over someone’s life.
The expression is often used when a person has power, status, or an important position but must live with continuous pressure and risk. From the outside the situation may look enviable. Yet the person involved knows that one mistake, conflict, or unexpected event could quickly change everything.
For this reason, the idiom is commonly used when speaking about political power, leadership roles, high responsibility jobs, or any situation where success comes together with constant uncertainty.
Example Usage
Turkish
Bu makam onun için adeta Demokles’in kılıcı gibi; her karar büyük bir risk taşıyor.
English
This position is like the sword of Damocles for him; every decision carries serious risk.
Cultural Note
The idiom comes from an ancient story recorded by the Roman writer Cicero in the 1st century BCE.
According to the story, Damocles admired the luxurious life of Dionysius II, the ruler of the Greek city of Syracuse. Believing that the king lived in perfect happiness, Damocles envied his power and wealth.
To teach him a lesson, Dionysius allowed Damocles to sit on the royal throne during a grand feast. But above the throne the king secretly hung a sharp sword, suspended by a single horsehair.
When Damocles noticed the sword swaying above his head, he suddenly lost all pleasure in the feast. The message was clear: power and luxury come with constant danger. Even the most powerful ruler lives with invisible threats.
Over time this image became a powerful metaphor across many cultures. In Turkish, Demokles’in kılıcı is used to describe a danger that could strike at any moment.
Interested in more Turkish idioms and expressions?
Explore the full collection on Learn Turkish with Seda.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does “Demokles’in kılıcı” mean in Turkish?
A: It describes a constant danger or pressure that exists even in situations that appear powerful or comfortable.
Q: Where does the idiom “Demokles’in kılıcı” come from?
A: It comes from an ancient story recorded by the Roman philosopher Cicero about Damocles and King Dionysius of Syracuse.
Q: When do people use “Demokles’in kılıcı” in Turkish?
A: It is used when someone lives under constant risk, pressure, or responsibility despite having power or status.
Q: Is this idiom originally Turkish?
A: No. The expression comes from classical Greek history but has been widely adopted into Turkish and many other languages.