The face that launched a thousand ships

Definitions

• extraordinary beauty
  To describe someone's exceptional beauty that has a powerful and captivating effect on others

• the cause of a great conflict or war
  To refer to a person or event that is the catalyst for a significant and far-reaching conflict or war

Examples of The face that launched a thousand ships

• Cleopatra's captivating beauty was said to be the face that launched a thousand ships.

  This idiom is used to describe something so incredibly beautiful or attractive that it has the power to inspire intense emotions or actions in others. In this case, the ancient Roman historian Plutarch coined the phrase to describe Cleopatra's mesmerizing beauty, which was said to have been so alluring that it caused Roman men to rush to her side, just as many ships may have been led to Egypt in pursuit of the queen's enticing presence. This idiom can also be used in reference to other sources of attraction, such as a person's talents, personality, or accomplishments.

• Cleopatra was the face that launched a thousand ships.

  This idiom is often used to describe something or someone so beautiful or captivating that it inspires strong emotions or desire in others. In ancient Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was said to be the most beautiful woman in the world, and her beauty was believed to have led to the Trojan War. Similarly, Cleopatra's beauty was legendary, and it is said that she seduced Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony with her charms. This idiom highlights the idea that Cleopatra's beauty was so overwhelming that it led men to war, just as the Greek soldiers were willing to go to war for Helen.

• Beyoncé's face is the face that launched a thousand ships.

  While Cleopatra was a real historical figure, Beyoncé is a contemporary singer and performer. Just as Cleopatra's beauty captivated the imaginations of ancient Greeks, Beyoncé's charm and charisma have made her one of the most popular and influential women in entertainment today. Her music, fashion, and public persona have inspired countless imitators and admirers, making her a true force to be reckoned with in the world of pop culture.

• The Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile is the face that launched a thousand ships.

  The Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in history, and part of its enduring appeal lies in the enigmatic smile of its subject. People have speculated for centuries about what this smile might mean, and some even claim that it holds the key to unlocking the true identity of the painting's subject. Whether or not this is true, there is no denying that the Mona Lisa continues to fascinate and captivate viewers, just as Cleopatra and Beyoncé have done in their respective fields.

• Marilyn Monroe's bombshell persona was the face that launched a thousand ships.

  Marilyn Monroe was one of the most iconic and glamorous actresses of the golden age of Hollywood, and her beauty and charm were legendary. She embodied the ideal of feminine beauty that was so popular during this era, and her sultry persona and iconic poses have been imitated and admired by women around the world ever since. Whether viewers find Marilyn's style appealing or not, there is no denying that she was a true force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of actresses and models today.

• Cleopatra's beauty was the face that launched a thousand ships.

  This idiom means that Cleopatra's stunning beauty was so alluring and captivating that it led Julius Caesar and Mark Antony to go to war for her sake. The phrase "a thousand ships" refers to the vast naval forces that Caesar and Antony assembled to invade Egypt and win Cleopatra's favor.

• Jennifer Lawrence's captivating smile is the face that launched a thousand careers.

  This idiom refers to Jennifer Lawrence's natural charm and charisma, which have helped launch the careers of many who have worked with her. Her infectious smile is thought to have a magnetic quality that draws people in, making them want to work with her and benefit from her success.

• Beyonce's powerful presence on stage is the face that launched a thousand concerts.

  This idiom describes Beyonce's ability to captivate audiences with her intense stage presence. Her commanding presence has inspired countless performers to strive for similar levels of energy and intensity on stage, making her a role model and a source of inspiration for many.

Conclusion

The idiom "the face that launched a thousand ships" can be used to describe someone's extraordinary beauty that has a profound impact on others. It can also be used metaphorically to refer to a person or event that is the cause of a great conflict or war. Both meanings highlight the powerful influence and impact that a person or event can have on others.

Origin of "The face that launched a thousand ships"

The origin of the idiom "the face that launched a thousand ships" can be traced back to Greek mythology and the story of Helen of Troy. According to the legend, Helen's unparalleled beauty was the cause of the Trojan War, in which a thousand ships were launched to retrieve her after she was abducted. The phrase has since been used to reference exceptional beauty and the power it holds over others, as well as the catalyst for significant conflicts or wars. The idiom has been widely used in literature and popular culture to convey the idea of beauty's influence and the potential for great conflict arising from it.