face that launched a thousand ships, the
Definition: An exceptionally beautiful woman; or, ironically, someone lacking in beauty. The phrase comes from Christopher Marlowe’s play Doctor Faustus (ca. 1588), and describes Helen, wife of King Menelaus of Greece, whose legendary beauty led to her abduction by Paris, which set off the Trojan War. “Was this the face that launched a thousand ships, And burnt the topless towers of Ilium?” wrote Marlowe.
Related Expressions 📚
- Belle of the ball – The most attractive woman at an event.
- Fairest of them all – The most beautiful of all, derived from Snow White.
- Drop-dead gorgeous – Extremely attractive.
Similar Terms 🌟
- Enchantress – A woman of almost magical beauty.
- Siren – Refers to mythical beings whose beauty and singing lured sailors to their deaths, often used metaphorically for dangerously beautiful women.
Humor-Filled Quotes 😂
- “She’s so beautiful, even the rainbow got jealous.”
- “She has a face that could launch a thousand tardy excuses.”
Proverbs & Common Phrases 💭
- Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – Beauty can be very subjective.
- Beauty is only skin deep – A reminder that beauty is more superficial, and inner qualities truly matter.
Suggested Reads & Watches 📚🍿
- Books: The Iliad by Homer, Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
- Movies: Troy (2004), Helen of Troy (1956)
- Poetry: To Helen by Edgar Allan Poe
- Songs: “Helen of Troy” by Lord Cut-Glass
### Complete the phrase: "The face that..."
- [ ] Invented the wheel
- [x] Launched a thousand ships
- [ ] Looked a thousand sunbeams
- [ ] Danced in a thousand crystals
> **Explanation:** The correct idiom is "The face that launched a thousand ships," referring to Helen of Troy's legendary beauty.
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### What is the origin of this phrase?
- [ ] Shakespeare's *Romeo and Juliet*
- [ ] Homer’s *Odyssey*
- [x] Christopher Marlowe's *Doctor Faustus*
- [ ] Dante’s *Inferno*
> **Explanation:** The phrase originates from Christopher Marlowe's *Doctor Faustus* (ca. 1588), speaking of Helen of Troy.
---
### True or False: 'The face that launched a thousand ships' refers to a historical event.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. It refers to the start of the Trojan War due to Helen of Troy's abduction.
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### Which of these is a synonym for 'the face that launched a thousand ships'?
- [ ] Bad hair day
- [ ] The black sheep
- [ ] Fortune’s fool
- [x] Fairest of them all
> **Explanation:** "Fairest of them all" is another phrase for someone incredibly beautiful.
What will you launch today? Be a face or a force that starts a beautiful, new adventure!
With words, fun, and wit, Ella Mentory
