Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
someone-has-feet-of-clay
idiom
/ˈsəmˌwən hæz fiːt əv kleɪ/
Definition
A person who appears strong or admirable but has underlying weaknesses or flaws.
Examples
- The CEO was revered for his vision, but when it came to ethics, he had feet of clay.
- The politician, beloved by many, turned out to have feet of clay when his corruption was revealed.
Meaning
This phrase is used to highlight that even those we admire may have critical faults or vulnerabilities.
Synonyms
- fallible
- imperfect
- flawed
- vulnerable
