The phrase "fall from grace" refers to a sudden and dramatic decline in reputation, esteem, or status of an individual or entity. It is a figurative expression used to describe the downfall or loss of favor experienced by someone who was previously respected, admired, or held in high regard by society, a group, or their peers.
This idiom originates from religious contexts and holds biblical connotations. It alludes to the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden due to their disobedience towards God—losing their perfect state of grace and being banished from paradise. Consequently, the expression "fall from grace" symbolizes a similar moral or ethical transgression leading to a subsequent fall or descent into disfavor or disgrace.
The phrase is most commonly employed when referring to public figures, such as politicians, celebrities, or leaders, who may have engaged in scandals, unethical behavior, or significant errors in judgment. When these individuals, once held in high esteem, are revealed to have committed wrongdoing or become embroiled in controversy, they experience a metaphorical "fall from grace," which can result in diminished public trust, condemnation, and a tarnished reputation.
Overall, "fall from grace" encapsulates the notion of a drastic decline in one's standing or reputation due to moral, ethical, or behavioral transgressions, leading to a loss of respect, trust, or admiration from others.
