-ˈdaməˌklēz
Usage: often capitalized S & usually capitalized D
Etymology: so called from the sword suspended by a single hair over the head of Damocles, guest at a sumptuous banquet given by Dionysius the Elder died 367 B.C. Greek tyrant of Syracuse, as a reminder of the insecurity of a tyrant's happiness
: an impending disaster
unaware of the Sword of Damocles hanging over her, she pursued her own way … casually and cheerfully — Olive H. Prouty