
IdiomBody & Senses
English
feet of clay
Meaning: A hidden weakness in someone or something admired.
Example: “Fans were shocked to learn their hero had feet of clay.”
Origin: From the Book of Daniel (2:31–45): Nebuchadnezzar dreams of a great statue of gold, silver, bronze and iron standing on feet of iron mixed with clay, which a stone shatters.
Equivalents in other languages
Swedish: en koloss på lerfötter Literally: A colossus on clay feet
More English idioms
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- dig one's own grave To cause one's own downfall.
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- in borrowed plumes Pretending to qualities or achievements that belong to someone else.
- come in handy To be useful when needed.
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