skip to main content

The Kitchen Table

Phrase of the day 12/23

jim_1 (Zone 5B)

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

To sow dragon’s teeth

This expression, meaning to start a course of action which seemingly is peaceful in intent but actually will lead to war, is of a very ancient origin. Cadmus, a Phoenician prince, killed a dragon and sowed its teeth. From the teeth sprang up a band of fierce warriors call the “Sparti,” who warred among themselves until only 5 remained. Cadmus put them to work for him, they laid out the city of Thebes, for which he took credit.

The phrase Cadmean Victory, meaning a victory won at nearly ruinous cost to the victor, came from this incident. It is a literal translation of the Greek: Kadmeia nike.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Zalco/bring back Sophie!
3 years ago
I will impress my kiddos at dinner with this tidbit. Thank you.
Fun2BHere
3 years ago
Hunh. I had heard of Pyrrhic victory with that meaning, but I'd never heard of Cadmean Victory. Off to read about it.
Related Discussions
Phrase of the day 12/12
Q
Comments (2)
Thank you once again Jim. I really enjoy the phrase of the day, it is fun to learn something new.
...See More
Phrase of the day 12/29
Q
Comments (3)
Jim, don't know if you want or need suggestions, but I was wondering about the source of pork in a budget...I know it's short for pork barrel, but no idea on the origins. Thx!
...See More
Phrase of the day 1/2
Q
Comments (1)
I really enjoy these, Jim. Thank you.
...See More
Phrase of the day 3/12
Q
Comments (2)
You reminded me of my parents and grandparents who always played pinochle...when they were losing or had a losing hand, they always said they were in a pickle.
...See More
Annie Deighnaugh
3 years ago
Me too Fun, I've heard of Pyrrhic victory, but not Cadmean.

I've never heard the expression about sowing dragon's teeth either.
stacey_mb
3 years ago
Sowing dragon's teeth sounds very visual to me, but maybe my mind is going to a Lord of the Rings movie.
crazybrunette64
3 years ago
I've never heard this before - interesting!
lucillle
3 years ago
I think if Jim keeps up his entertaining daily phrases thread, after 6 months to a year all of us will have the most amazing repertoire of interesting phrases, just time for all of the 'we're all vaccinated' parties. :)

Related Stories

SALVAGE 12 Ways to Get in the Spirit of Old Stuff Day

By Becky Harris

Vintage heads into the limelight on March 2. What pieces could you cast in a different role?

DECORATING GUIDES Budget Decorator: 12 Ways to Perk Up Your Home for Fall

By Laura Gaskill

Get crafty or shop strategically to give your nest that extra-special touch while you’re cozying up on chilly days

INSIDE HOUZZ 12 Home Pros Look Back on a Decade of Houzz

By Annie Thornton

For Houzz’s 10th anniversary, design and remodeling pros who joined at the start reminisce about the early days

GARDENING GUIDES 12 Gorgeous Flowers and Shrubs for Winter Gardens

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

These pick-me-up plants brighten gray days and add color, structure and fragrance when everything else is dormant

DECORATING GUIDES Room of the Day: More Function for a Boston Condo

Lively colors and a clever floor plan disguise asymmetry and make the most of a compact living room

GARDENING GUIDES Top 12 Summer-Blooming Perennials for Deer-Resistant Drama

Can you have garden color, fragrance and exciting foliage with hungry deer afoot? These beauties say yes

STORAGE Bedroom Storage: 12 Ways to Work Your Wardrobe

By Luisa Rollenhagen

Instead of letting the mess in your closet overwhelm you, tackle it head on with these smart and simple solutions

FEEL-GOOD HOME 12 Very Useful Things I've Learned From Designers

By Becky Harris

These simple ideas can make life at home more efficient and enjoyable

KITCHEN DESIGN 12 Breakfast Bars With Coffee Shop Appeal

Give even a small kitchen a sociable vibe by inserting a stylish seating post

CHRISTMAS 12 Signs You’ve Dropped In on an Aussie Christmas

By Susan Redman

Christmas in Australia can be a bit odd if you’re not used to it. Here are a few things you could expect to see

Sponsored

Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers

49 Reviews

Columbus Area's Luxury Design Build Firm | 17x Best of Houzz Winner!

More Discussions

Oh no! Another one!

657

Glenda has left us

82

Emails and More Emails

15

Baby sweater and booties done

49

I'll show you mine/you show me yours - M 4/29/24

18