This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
The expression “a colossus on clay feet” is often used today when talking about something large, powerful in appearance, but in reality — fragile, unstable, or built on a weak foundation. This is said about states, systems, companies, or even people whose strength is merely an external illusion.
Origin of the phrase
The roots of this phraseological expression lie in the Bible, in the Book of the Prophet Daniel. It tells of a dream of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. He dreamed of a huge colossal idol — with a head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly of bronze, and legs partly of iron, partly of clay. The prophet Daniel interpreted the dream as follows: this image symbolizes great empires which, despite their might and wealth, have a weak foundation that will lead to their downfall. When the stone struck the feet, the statue crumbled — because the clay could not withstand it.
Hence the expression “a colossus on clay feet” emerged — a giant standing on unstable ground.
Metaphorical meaning
This image perfectly conveys the idea of external strength without internal support. In a figurative sense, “colossus” refers to any large structure: an empire, organization, system, or even a person attributed with power, but who is internally shaky or morally weak.
Examples of modern usage
- In politics: the Soviet Union before its collapse was often referred to as “a colossus on clay feet” — a gigantic state that appeared powerful but was held up by fear and lies.
- In economics: about a corporation that looks successful but has huge debts or corruption problems.
- In culture or everyday life: “he seemed an unshakeable leader, but turned out to be a colossus on clay feet.”
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