English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Feet of clay
Meaning
The idiom "feet of clay" refers to a person who is untrustworthy, unreliable, or weak-willed. It represents someone who can easily be manipulated or swayed by others due to their lack of inner strength or moral compass.
Usage
- Despite being known for his honesty, the journalist's feet of clay were exposed when he was found to have taken a bribe from a powerful politician.
- The politician had feet of clay and made several promises he couldn't keep, leading to his downfall in the election.
- After years of being bullied by her co-workers, Jane finally stood up and showed her true colors, proving she was no longer their pushover with feet of clay.
- The celebrity's feet of clay were revealed when it was discovered they had plagiarized part of their latest album.
- Despite appearing to be a perfect wife and mother, Sarah's feet of clay were exposed when her infidelity became public knowledge.
Roots and History
The origin of the idiom "feet of clay" is not entirely clear, but it likely dates back to ancient Greek mythology. In this myth, the god Prometheus was punished by Zeus for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humans. As punishment, Zeus chained Prometheus to a rock where an eagle ate his liver every day, only for it to regrow and be eaten again. This cycle continued until Hercules came and freed Prometheus, but not before he had suffered irreparable damage to his body. The myth of Prometheus is often interpreted as a cautionary tale about the dangers of challenging the gods, and his punishment has become a symbol of human suffering. In modern times, the idiom "feet of clay" has taken on a different meaning, referring more specifically to someone who lacks inner strength or moral compass. It may also be used to describe someone who is easily swayed by others due to their lack of conviction or principles.
Synonyms in English
- weak-willed
- untrustworthy
- flighty
- indecisive
- unreliable
Synonyms in other languages
- French: "fees de terre" - meaning "mud feet"
- Spanish: "pies de barro" - meaning "clay feet"
- Italian: "piedi di terra" - meaning "earth feet"
- German: "terrfüße" - meaning "clay feet"
- Greek: "hudra" - meaning "mud" or "slime".