feet of clay

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English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

Used in the Bible,[1] part of the description of the huge statue in the dream of Chaldean King Nebuchadnezzar.

Pronunciation[edit]

  • (file)

Noun[edit]

feet of clay pl (plural only)

  1. (idiomatic) In someone apparently strong and without failings, a hidden weakness which could lead to downfall.
    He was disillusioned to find that even Lincoln had feet of clay.

Translations[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ The Holy Bible, [] (King James Version), London: [] Robert Barker, [], 1611, →OCLC, Daniel 2:34: “His legs of yron, his feete part of yron, and part of clay.”.