fallen from grace

USAGE SUMMARY

"fallen from grace" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who has lost favour or lost their former status, usually due to morally questionable conduct. For example, "The politician had once enjoyed widespread public support, but after being implicated in a financial scandal, he had fallen from grace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Reference

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She had fallen from grace.

The New Yorker

He has fallen from grace through sin".

The New Yorker

He has fallen from grace.

The Guardian - Sport

"I've fallen from grace," she says.

The New York Times

A celebrity fallen from grace restores balance to the world.

The Guardian - Opinion

No one, like O. J. Simpson, has fallen from grace.

The New York Times

Lance Armstrong has fallen from grace, and Woods has alienated a good number of fans.

The New York Times - Sports

In "The Sin of Elijah," the prophet has fallen from grace.

The New York Times - Books

"I believe I wasn't doing that great — I'd just fallen from grace, so to say.

The New York Times

But the leader of the 2004 Orange Revolution has fallen from grace.

The Economist

Has abstraction, since the sixties, fallen from grace, or been liberated from preciousness?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the degree of moral failing. This idiom often suggests a significant ethical lapse, not just a minor mistake.

Common error

Avoid using "fallen from grace" for minor setbacks or simple mistakes. The phrase carries a weight of serious wrongdoing or a significant loss of status, so it's inappropriate for trivial situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fallen from grace" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a verb phrase to describe a person or entity that has experienced a decline in status, reputation, or moral standing. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a common and acceptable expression. For example, Ludwig provides examples of public figures and organizations that have "fallen from grace".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "fallen from grace" is a widely used idiom that signifies a loss of status or reputation, often due to moral or ethical failings. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English, noting its common use in journalistic and analytical contexts. While applicable in various settings, it is most frequently encountered in news and media. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the severity of the situation, reserving it for scenarios where a significant decline or ethical breach has occurred. For less dramatic contexts, consider alternatives such as "lost favor" or "lost prestige". Overall, "fallen from grace" remains a potent and readily understood way to describe a descent from a position of honor or esteem.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in disgrace

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "disgraced", highlighting the state of shame.

disgraced

Implies a loss of reputation due to shameful behavior.

lost favor

Focuses on losing approval or goodwill, often from someone specific.

out of favor

Similar to "lost favor" but suggests a more temporary or circumstantial loss of approval.

in disrepute

Indicates a state of being held in low esteem or lacking credibility.

shamed

Implies a feeling of deep embarrassment and dishonor.

lost prestige

Highlights the loss of respect or admiration, especially in professional or academic settings.

humiliated

Emphasizes the feeling of shame and embarrassment after a fall from a higher position.

ruined

Suggests a more complete and devastating loss of fortune or reputation.

compromised

Implies a weakening of integrity or moral standing.

FAQs

How do you use "fallen from grace" in a sentence?

You can use "fallen from grace" to describe someone who has lost status, respect, or favor, typically due to a mistake or scandal. For instance, "The CEO had "fallen from grace" after the accounting scandal was revealed".

What's a more formal way to say "fallen from grace"?

More formal alternatives include "in disgrace" or "in disrepute". These phrases emphasize the loss of honor or respectability in a more official or serious tone.

What are some less dramatic alternatives to "fallen from grace"?

If you want to express a similar idea without the strong negative connotation, you could use phrases like "lost favor", "out of favor", or "lost prestige" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "fallen from grace" in a business context?

Yes, it can be appropriate, especially when describing a leader or company that has experienced a significant ethical or financial failure. However, consider the tone and audience, as it can be a harsh and judgmental phrase.