feet of clay

Etymology: so called from the feet (partly of iron and partly of clay) of the image in Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 2:33

1. : a generally concealed or unobserved but marked weakness or frailty in one hitherto idolized for qualities seemingly superior to those of common humanity or feared because of formidable and seemingly unassailable command or strength

2. : a focal weakness (as cowardice or fear) in a seemingly commanding person

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1. a weakness or hidden flaw in the character of a greatly admired or respected person: He was disillusioned to find that even Lincoln had feet of clay.

2. any unexpected or critical fault.

[1855-60]

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feet of clay (figurative)

Faults and weaknesses of character not at first apparent or suspected

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Main Entry: ↑clay

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feet of clay,

human flaws or shortcomings, especially in a great or idealized person: »

A boy's love for his mother is not affected by discovering…that she had feet of clay (Atlantic). The same impulse is seen everywhere,…to question standards, to puncture complacency, to reveal the idol's feet of clay (Manchester Guardian).

╂[in allusion to the idol whose feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, in Daniel 2:33]

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I

see foot

II

a fundamental flaw or weakness in a person otherwise revered

Origin:

with biblical allusion (Dan. 2:33) to the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, in which a magnificent idol has feet "part of iron and part of clay"; Daniel interprets this to signify a future kingdom that will be "partly strong, and partly broken," and will eventually fall

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feet of clay — see ↑foot, 1

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Main Entry: ↑clay

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feet of clay

◇ A person who was admired in the past but who has serious faults or flaws can be described as having feet of clay.

a former political leader who turned out to have feet of clay

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Main Entry: ↑foot