feet of clay
C1Formal, literary, journalistic
Definition
Meaning
A fundamental, hidden weakness or flaw in a person of prominence or high repute.
A significant, often moral, failing in someone who is widely admired or respected, which undermines their perceived perfection or authority. The flaw is typically revealed unexpectedly.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is an idiom, always used as a singular or plural noun phrase (e.g., 'have feet of clay,' 'reveal their feet of clay'). It originates from the biblical story of Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Daniel 2:31-35) of a statue with feet made of a mix of iron and clay, symbolizing a weak foundation. It carries a connotation of disappointment or disillusionment upon discovering the flaw.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The idiom is equally understood in both varieties.
Connotations
The same connotations of hidden moral failing and subsequent disillusionment apply in both BrE and AmE.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in written, formal, or analytical contexts (e.g., political commentary, literary criticism) than in casual speech in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] has/had feet of clay.[Subject] revealed/showed [Possessive] feet of clay.The feet of clay of [Subject] were exposed.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Achilles heel”
- “skeleton in the closet”
- “chink in the armour”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe a CEO or founder whose unethical practices are later uncovered, damaging the company's reputation.
Academic
Employed in literary criticism or historical analysis to discuss the flawed nature of a heroic or iconic figure.
Everyday
Used when discussing a public figure (politician, celebrity) whose perfect image is shattered by scandal.
Technical
Not used in technical fields; it is a literary/figurative expression.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The investigation threatens to show the minister to have feet of clay.
- The biography revealed its subject had feet of clay.
American English
- The scandal proved the CEO had feet of clay.
- His testimony exposed the councilman as having feet of clay.
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not applicable as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- (Not applicable as an adjective. Use adjectival phrases like 'deeply flawed' or 'morally compromised' instead.)
American English
- (Not applicable as an adjective. Use adjectival phrases like 'fundamentally flawed' or 'with a fatal weakness' instead.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Many fans were sad to learn their favourite footballer had feet of clay.
- The perfect leader turned out to have feet of clay.
- The celebrated author's private letters revealed his feet of clay, showing him to be prejudiced and unkind.
- For all his public philanthropy, the billionaire was found to have feet of clay when his company's labour practices were exposed.
- The political commentator argued that the movement's icon had feet of clay, and his personal failings ultimately undermined his ideological legacy.
- Beneath the veneer of statesmanship, the historical analysis uncovered the monarch's feet of clay—a propensity for cruel and irrational decisions born of deep insecurity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a grand golden statue (a hero) standing tall, but its feet are made of crumbling clay. It looks impressive from afar, but its foundation is weak and will eventually cause it to fall.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL CHARACTER IS STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY / HIDDEN WEAKNESS IS A FRAGILE FOUNDATION
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation 'ноги из глины' as it is not idiomatic. The closest Russian equivalent is 'слабое место' or 'ахиллесова пята', but these lack the specific connotation of a *hidden moral failing in a respected person*.
- Do not confuse with 'глиняные ноги' which might be understood literally.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to describe a simple mistake or minor flaw (it must be a significant, character-undermining flaw).
- Using it for inanimate objects (it is primarily for people, especially those held in high esteem).
- Incorrectly phrasing as 'clay feet' – the standard order is 'feet of clay'.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'feet of clay' specifically imply about the person it describes?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely and only metaphorically. Its primary use is for people, especially those in positions of respect or authority. One might stretch it to refer to a seemingly perfect theory with a foundational flaw.
It is a criticism or an observation of a flaw, but one that carries a tone of disappointment or revelation. It criticises by highlighting the gap between perception and reality.
They are close synonyms. 'Achilles heel' is more general and can refer to any vulnerable spot (in a person, plan, or system). 'Feet of clay' is more specific, implying a *moral or character* flaw in someone *widely admired*, leading to a fall from grace.
It functions as a noun phrase, typically following the verb 'have' or 'reveal/show/expose.' Common pattern: '[Person] has/had feet of clay.' or 'The investigation revealed [person's] feet of clay.'