feet of clay

noun phrase

: a character flaw that is usually not readily apparent

Examples of feet of clay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But those triumphs could not conceal the fact that the idol had feet of clay. Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2011

Word History

Etymology

from the feet of the idol in Daniel 2:33

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of feet of clay was in 1814

Dictionary Entries Near feet of clay

Cite this Entry

“Feet of clay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feet%20of%20clay. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on feet of clay

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!