Feet of clay
Meaning
A fundamental character flaw or hidden weakness in an otherwise respected or powerful person or institution.
Origin
In the ancient Babylonian court, King Nebuchadnezzar was troubled by a prophetic dream: he saw a colossal statue, dazzling and terrifying, its head of gold, chest of silver, belly of bronze, and legs of iron. But its feet, the foundation of this mighty figure, were a fragile mixture of iron and clay. The prophet Daniel, renowned for his wisdom, interpreted this vision for the king. He explained that the diverse metals represented a succession of powerful empires, each giving way to the next. The "feet of clay" symbolized the final kingdom, a brittle empire divided and inherently weak, destined to crumble despite its outward show of strength. This potent image of a hidden, fatal flaw at the very base of a seemingly grand entity gave us the enduring phrase, signifying a critical vulnerability in an otherwise impressive person or institution.
Examples
- The celebrated CEO, despite his public image of invincibility, revealed his feet of clay when the company's fraudulent accounting practices came to light.
- Many politicians appear flawless, but investigative journalists often uncover their feet of clay through detailed scrutiny of their past.