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Feet of Clay

What Does "Feet of Clay" Mean?

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"Feet of clay" is an English idiom. It means "a surprising flaw or vulnerability in someone who is otherwise revered or respected."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "feet of clay" used in a sentence:
  • He was seen as a hero, but his affair showed he had feet of clay.
  • Many great leaders have feet of clay, as they are only human.
  • Discovering your idol's feet of clay can be very disheartening.
meaning for feet of clay

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Feet of Clay" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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