fell from grace

USAGE SUMMARY

"fell from grace" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has lost favor, respect, or power due to a particular event or action. Example: The CEO of the company fell from grace after being caught in a series of scandals. Example: The athlete's doping scandal caused him to fall from grace and lose all of his sponsorships.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Now West fell from grace.

The New York Times

Bugnini fell from grace in the 1970s.

The New York Times

The denouement was that they both fell from grace.

The New York Times - Books

"And, shit, if you fall from grace, he fucking fell from grace.

The New Yorker

Art Deco fell from grace in post-World War II Japan.

The New York Times - Arts

With the advent of Jesus Christ and the New Testament, marriage fell from grace.

The New Yorker

But then Tonéx fell from grace — or, depending on your point of view, was pushed.

The New Yorker

But East fell from grace by playing the four, and the contract was now unbeatable.

The New York Times - Arts

But they quickly fell from grace, unable to deflect the intense scrutiny.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unfortunately a director fell from grace by using the deal sheets intended for Thursday.

The New York Times - Arts

But he fell from grace, winning with the ace and returning a spade.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fell from grace" to describe a significant decline in someone's standing or reputation, often due to a specific event or series of actions. Ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the fall and its consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "fell from grace" for minor setbacks or temporary disappointments. This phrase implies a substantial and often public loss of favor or status; reserve it for situations where the consequences are genuinely significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fell from grace" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase, typically describing a sudden or significant decline in someone's status, reputation, or favor. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fell from grace" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe a significant decline in someone's status, reputation, or favor, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys a dramatic loss, often due to a specific event or series of actions. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's important to reserve this phrase for genuinely significant situations. Alternatives like "lost favor" or "declined in popularity" may be more suitable for less severe circumstances. Ludwig's AI confirms the phrase's correctness and provides ample examples of its usage in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffered a fall from grace

Uses a slightly more formal tone to describe the loss of favor.

lost favor

Focuses on the loss of approval or liking from someone.

lost status

Highlights the decline in social or professional standing.

incurred disfavor

Emphasizes the action of causing someone to lose favor or approval.

lost prestige

Emphasizes the loss of respect or admiration.

was disgraced

Indicates a public loss of honor or respect.

experienced a downfall

Describes a sudden and significant decline in fortune or status.

was discredited

Suggests that someone's reputation or credibility has been damaged.

declined in popularity

Focuses on the decrease in public approval or support.

was ruined

Highlights the complete destruction of someone's reputation or career.

FAQs

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

You can use "fell from grace" to describe someone who has lost favor, respect, or power. For example, "The politician "fell from grace" after the scandal was revealed."

What's the difference between "fell from grace" and "lost favor"?

"Fell from grace" implies a more dramatic and often public decline, while "lost favor" suggests a more general loss of approval or liking.

What are some synonyms for "fell from grace"?

Synonyms for "fell from grace" include "lost status", "was disgraced", and "suffered a fall from grace".

Is "fell from grace" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "fell from grace" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news articles or analytical pieces. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the desired tone. Less dramatic alternatives, such as "lost prestige", may sometimes be preferable.