feet of clay
Idol's secret flaw
Feet of clay is a hidden flaw or weakness in someone otherwise admired or powerful.
The phrase comes from a biblical dream in which a mighty statue stands on feet made partly of clay, vulnerable to collapse.
To say someone has feet of clay is to reveal they're not as strong or virtuous as they appear: The scandal showed the senator had feet of clay.
Fault or shortcoming
- fallibilityLiability to err
- disillusionmentBitter loss of faith
- idolObject of worship
- pedestalSupport for statuary
hero · icon · leader · downfall · revelation · scandal · exposure · disappointment
imperfection
Fault or shortcoming
- fallibilityLiability to err
- disillusionmentBitter loss of faith
- idolObject of worship
pedestal · hero · icon · leader · downfall · revelation · scandal · exposure · disappointment · humanity
- Old Idiomsbeyond the pale, hue and cry, scot-free, knight in shining armor, eat humble pie
feet of clayheart of gold
Deeply generous nature
inner strength · backbone of steel · hidden depths · iron will · true grit
feet of claybeyond reproach
Immune to criticism
unimpeachable · incorruptible · paragon · moral authority · above suspicion
feet of clayheart of gold
Deeply generous nature
backbone of steel · incorruptible · moral fiber · true blue · what you see is what you get