feet of clay
English
Etymology
Used in the Bible,[1] part of the description of the huge statue in the dream of Chaldean King Nebuchadnezzar.
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Noun
- (idiomatic) In someone apparently strong and without failings, a hidden weakness which could lead to downfall.
- He was disillusioned to find that even Lincoln had feet of clay.
- 1814, Lord Byron, Ode to Napoleon Buonaparte:
- Those Pagod things of sabre-sway, / With fronts of brass, and feet of clay.
- 1980, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson (lyrics and music), “Happy New Year”, in Super Trouper, performed by Abba:
- Oh yes, man is a fool / And he thinks he'll be okay / Dragging on, feet of clay
Translations
See also
References
- The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], 1611, →OCLC, Daniel 2:34.: “His legs of yron, his feete part of yron, and part of clay.”
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