fall from grace

/fˈɔːl fɹɒm ɡɹˈeɪs/

/fˈɔːl fɹʌm ɡɹˈeɪs/

[phrase]

to fall from grace

[PHRASE]

to lose favor, respect, or a position of high regard due to a significant mistake, scandal, or failure

to [fall] from grace definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "fall from grace" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "fall from grace" is rooted in Christian theology, where "grace" refers to the unmerited favor or gift of God. In this context, a fall from grace would refer to the loss of God's favor and the subsequent punishment for wrongdoing. Over time, the phrase has evolved to refer to any situation where someone experiences a significant and sudden decline in status or reputation due to their own actions or behavior, whether it's in a religious, political, or social context. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe the downfall of public figures who have fallen out of favor with the public due to scandal or misconduct.

Examples

1. In the world of politics, it's important to remember that hares may pull dead lions by the beard, as even the most influential leaders can fall from grace if they become too complacent or lose the support of the people.

2. The athlete's fall from grace was devastating, as their doping scandal tarnished their once-sterling reputation.

3. The politician's fall from grace was swift, as news of their corruption scandal spread quickly through the media.

4. Jeff Skilling was briefly the CEO of Enron during the company's fall from grace spent 12 years in prison.

Nearby words