a metaphorical expression for a constantly threatening danger during apparent well-being. According to the ancient Greek legend, the Syracuse tyrant Dionysius the Elder (late fifth to fourth century B.C.) offered his throne for one day to his favorite, Damocles, who considered Dionysius the happiest of mortals. Thinking himself the happiest of men at a feast in his honor, Damocles suddenly noticed a naked sword suspended above his head by a single horse-hair, and he understood the illusory nature of happiness.