Did someone tell you that a politician is falling from grace? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression 'falling from grace' means that someone loses the respect of others, status in society, or prestige in the community. It can also refer to a loss of financial wealth. You can use 'falling from grace' to describe the action or a 'fall from grace.'
If someone experiences a fall from grace, they lose their support from others, their honor in their reputation, or a rank of authority over others. Typically, people use the expression 'falling from grace' to describe an ongoing event.
'Falling from grace' can also describe the biblical figures Adam and Eve falling out of God's graces after eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Therefore, 'falling from grace' can refer to falling out of favor or original sin, causing the backsliding of God's blessing upon you.
Example Usage
"President Biden is falling from grace. He's the most unpopular president in history, and he'll bankrupt the country and kill the dollar with his reckless spending policies."
"Bill Clinton found himself falling from grace in the wake of the scandals surrounding his relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky."
"Bernie Madoff found himself falling from grace after the federal government arrested him for embezzlement and running a Ponzi scheme."
"Falling from grace is a hard thing to deal with emotionally. It changes who you are as a person and the trajectory of your life."
"I think that John is falling from grace. I heard he got into debt with his new company and might have to declare bankruptcy, even though he earned millions."
"The committee is falling from grace. They are all corrupt individuals and only rule in favor of their interests, not the general public."
"I find myself falling from grace after reaching the pinnacle of success. I don't know what to do or how I'll cope in the future."
"After years of public service, the councilman is falling from grace after being accused of corruption and bribery by community members."
Origin
The expression 'falling from grace' originates from the holy Bible. The phrase appears in Galatians 5:4 in the King James Version. Paul received a warning against mixing the gospel and law to achieve justification for his actions.
Paul states that people who let themselves undergo circumcision attempt to be justified by law. As a result, they're alienating themselves from Christ and falling from Grace. The expression appears as follows.
"Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."
Over the coming centuries, people would use the term to describe the fall of Adam and Eve from grace with God, causing the Lord to evict the couple from the Garden of Eden.
Ways People May Say Falling from Grace Incorrectly
The phrase doesn't refer to the physical act of falling down. It means that someone loses the respect of others or their status in society. Using the term to describe people named Grace falling down is incorrect.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Falling from Grace
You can use the expression 'falling from grace' to describe someone that's lost the respect of their peers or the community. The term is similar to 'pride comes before a fall,' meaning that someone with high status, wealth, or respect, commits an action causing them to 'fall from grace' in the eyes of their peers, friends, family, or colleagues.
You can use 'falling from grace' in social and professional situations. For instance, you could say the CEO of your company is falling from grace after the last quarter's dismal sales results. Or you could say that a rich and powerful friend went broke, falling from grace after losing his wealth.