feet of clay

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

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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.

   • 1814, Lord Byron, Ode to Napoleon Buonaparte:

     Those Pagod things of sabre-sway, / With fronts of brass, and feet of clay.

   • 1980, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson (lyrics and music), “Happy New Year”, in Super Trouper, performed by Abba:

     Oh yes, man is a fool / And he thinks he'll be okay / Dragging on, feet of clay

• Achilles heel