I realized my hero had feet of clay.
feet of clay
idiomIn someone apparently strong and without failings, a hidden weakness which could lead to downfall.
Origin
disputed originUsed in the Bible, part of the description of the huge statue in the dream of Chaldean King Nebuchadnezzar.
The politician was seen as a perfect leader until his scandal revealed his feet of clay.
Though the public revered him as an untouchable icon, his private journals eventually exposed the feet of clay that would ultimately destroy his reputation.
- 01
beat feet
To run.
- 02
drag one's feet
To procrastinate, put off; to dawdle, avoid, or make progress slowly and reluctantly.
- 03
feet first
In the manner of a deceased person (i.e., dead).
- 04
find one's feet
To grow in confidence in a new situation as one gains experience.
- 05
get one's feet wet
To begin gaining experience; to tentatively try something new.
- 06
get to one's feet
To stand up.
- 07
hold someone's feet to the fire
To maintain personal, social, political, or legal pressure on someone in order to induce them to comply with one's desires; to hold someone accountable for their actions.
- 08
itchy feet
A strong desire to travel; wanderlust.