WORDS╱PHRASES FROM GREEK MYTHOLOGY.doc

WORDS/PHRASES FROM GREEK MYTHOLOGY COMMONLY USED IN ENGLISH ACHILLES’ HEEL Meaning: The weakness of an individual which leads to his downfall. Greek Myth: Achilles was a Greek warrior who later became the hero of the Trojan War. When he was an infant, it was prophesized that he would die young. His mother Thetis who was a Nereid (sea goddess) did not desire this and hence she dipped him into the river Styx. The Styx had powers by which any part of the body that made contact with the river became invincible. However, she had held him by the heel when dipping him, thus leaving a vulnerable area. He would later die, as prophesized, by a poisoned arrow to his heel. “His love for fast food is one day going to prove to be his achilles’ heel.” CAUGHT BETWEEN SCYLLA CHARYBDIS? Meaning: A difficult choice where either decision could end in disaster; more familiar as ‘between the devil and the deep blue sea’. Greek Myth: The hero Odysseus spent nine years returning home after the Trojan War. Along his voyage by sea, he came upon Scylla and Charybdis. Scylla was an enormous sea monster with numerous hands and six dog heads sprouting from her body; she ate men alive. Charybdis was a tremendous whirlpool that digested ships whole. Since the only way to get home was to choose either route, Odysseus had to decide on one horror or the other. He chose Scylla, losing six crewmen to Scyllas hunger. ? “If I do my mathematics homework, I won’t have time to study for the History test tomorrow, and both teachers are so strict! I’m caught between Scylla and Charybdis! DOG AS MAN’S BEST FRIEND OR FAITHFUL COMPANION Meaning: Self-explanatory? ? Greek Myth: When Odysseus returned home in disguise after many years, only his faithful dog who had patiently awaited his return recognized him. His family did not recognize him. Even on its deathbed, the dog managed to look up at its master and wag its tail in appreciation. “He won’t do something so cruel to her; he’s as faithful as a dog.” ?