クレオパトラの鼻はな

expression, noun

Cleopatra's nose; a small thing with a huge influence

A set phrase referring to the idea that a tiny detail (like the shape of Cleopatra's nose) can change history or have an enormous impact. Often used in discussions of historical contingency or the butterfly effect.

• 歴れき史しのifを語かたるとき、よくクレオパトラの鼻はなが引ひき合あいに出だされる。

  When discussing historical what-ifs, Cleopatra's nose is often brought up.

• クレオパトラの鼻はながもう少すこし低ひくかったら、世せ界かい史しは変かわっていたかもしれない。

  If Cleopatra's nose had been a little lower, world history might have been different.