face that launched a thousand ships, the

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face that launched a thousand ships, the

fAn 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.
See also: face, launch, that, thousand
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer
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References in periodicals archive ?
The role of the woman with "the face that launched a thousand ships" is inhabited by a beefy middle-aged man who plays three other characters as well--including one of Helen's would-be murderers.
A hunk
The face that launched a thousand ships acquires an engaging, intelligent and surprisingly guileless voice in George's sweeping novel.
George, Margaret. Helen of Troy
The face that launched a thousand ships -actress Diane Kruger who plays Helen in Troy
It's in the Cannes; The annual celebration of celluloid that is the Cannes Film Festival is in full swing in France. Red carpet highlight of the week was the premiere of the new sword and sandals epic Troy
Hers was the face that launched a thousand ships, but who could possibly be beautiful enough to play Helen Of Troy on the big screen?
Cinema: Hollywood news - Troy story
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