This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Expression «spike on clay legs» today, it is often used when talking about something big, powerful in appearance, but actually — is fragile, unstable or built on a weak foundation. This is what they say about states and systems, companies or even people whose power — is only an external illusion.
Origin of the expression
The roots of this phraseology — in the Bible, in the Book of the Prophet Daniel. It tells about the dream of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. He dreamed of a huge colossal idol — with a head made of gold, chest and arms made of silver, belly made of copper, legs partly made of iron, partly made of clay. The Prophet Daniel interpreted the dream as follows: this image symbolizes great empires, which, despite their power and wealth, have a weak basis, which will lead to their fall. When the stone hit the legs, the statue crumbled — because the clay couldn't stand it.
Hence the expression «spike on clay legs» <TAG1> is a giant standing on unstable ground.
Metaphorical meaning
This image perfectly conveys the idea of an external force without an internal support. Figuratively «coloss» — is any large structure: an empire, organization, system, or even a person to whom power is attributed, but who is internally shaky or morally weak.
Examples of modern use
- In politics: before the collapse, the Soviet Union was often called «spike on clay feet» — a giant state that looked powerful but relied on fear and lies.
- In economics: about a corporation that looks successful but has huge debts or corruption problems.
- In culture or everyday life: <TAG1> he seemed like a staunch leader, but turned out to be a colossus on clay legs«.
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