FEET OF CLAY
Idiomatic Meaning: A weakness or flaw of character that is not immediately noticeable; A previously unknown serious fault; a hidden bad, negative quality.
Literal Meaning: To have lower limbs made of earthly soil treated with water.
Usage: Informal spoken and written general British and American English.
Origin: Early 19th Century - British and American English – The expression originates from the Book of Daniel in the Bible. In it, Daniel interprets a dream of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. In that dream, a magnificent statue is seen with a head of gold, but weaker and less valuable metals beneath, until finally having feet of clay mixed with iron. Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar that the clay feet of the figure make it vulnerable that it prophesized the breaking apart of his empire. Used metaphorically in print since 1814.
Why is this funny? In the photo, we see a Golem, a mythological creature fashioned out of clay and brought to life by magic spells. A Golem is supposed to be all powerful and must obey the commands of its creator. Since the man on the right is commanding the Golem to attack the other people, we can assume that he created it. However, the Golem expresses reluctance and even empathy, saying it can’t do that because the people might get hurt. This Golem is acting out of character. It is not obeying its creator and is exhibiting a previously unknown trait. Though the Golem’s feet are truly made of clay, it also has “feet of clay”, revealing a flaw in its character, showing disobedience.
Sample Sentence: She was disillusioned to find that even President Lincoln had feet of clay.