falling from grace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falling from grace" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone loses their status, respect, or favor, often due to a mistake or wrongdoing. Example: "After the scandal, the politician experienced a significant falling from grace, losing the support of his constituents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

For a person falling from grace to land with a thud, he must have once been graceful.

The New Yorker

Maybe after falling from grace their careers just carry on?

The Guardian - Opinion

Falls end in pain and humiliation; falling over, falling from grace.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even in France and Italy, European union is falling from grace.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think most human beings are probably capable of falling from grace from time to time," he observed.

The New Yorker

After dominating Italian politics for two decades, Silvio Berlusconi finally seemed to be falling from grace in November 2011.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

FALL FROM GRACE, by Richard North Patterson.

The New York Times

Now West fell from grace.

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "falling from grace" when describing a significant decline in someone's status, reputation, or moral standing, particularly after a period of success or high regard.

Common error

Avoid using "falling from grace" to describe minor setbacks or failures. The phrase implies a substantial loss of status or reputation, often due to a significant error or scandal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falling from grace" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a present participle in continuous tenses. It describes an ongoing process of losing status, respect, or favor. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "falling from grace" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe a decline in status or reputation, often due to a misstep or scandal. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and most common in news and media contexts. While the phrase isn't exceedingly common, with Ludwig showing an uncommon number of examples, it remains a potent way to describe a significant loss of standing. When writing, be mindful of the serious implications carried by this phrase. More informal alternatives include "loss of status", "disgrace", or "decline in favor".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disgrace

Emphasizes the shame and dishonor associated with the decline.

loss of reputation

Focuses specifically on the damage to one's public image.

loss of status

Focuses on the positional aspect of the decline.

loss of prestige

Focuses on the reduction in respect and admiration.

decline in favor

Highlights the reduction of positive regard from others.

descent from prominence

Emphasizes a movement from a high position to a lower one.

downfall

Suggests a significant and often catastrophic decline.

decline in influence

Emphasizes the reduction of power to affect decisions or events.

reversal of fortune

Indicates a change from good luck or success to bad luck or failure.

lapse in judgment

Highlights a specific instance of error that led to the decline.

FAQs

What does it mean for someone to be "falling from grace"?

It means they are losing status, respect, or favor, typically due to a mistake or wrongdoing. It suggests a decline from a previously high position.

What are some alternatives to saying "falling from grace"?

You can use alternatives like "loss of status", "disgrace", or "decline in favor" depending on the specific context.

How is "falling from grace" different from "making a mistake"?

"Falling from grace" implies a significant consequence resulting from a mistake, leading to a loss of status or reputation. "Making a mistake" is a more general term for any error.

Is "falling from grace" always related to moral failings?

While often associated with moral failings, "falling from grace" can also result from poor decisions, professional failures, or other events that lead to a decline in someone's standing.