Fall from grace

A fall from grace is a loss of trust, respect, or favour, often after wrongdoing becomes known. The phrase appears in Paul's letter to the Galatians in the Bible, where it concerns turning away from God's grace rather than losing public approval.

Where it comes from

The biblical source

In Galatians, Paul warns against seeking acceptance by God through obedience to religious law rather than through Christ. Grace here means God's freely given favour, not a good reputation.

In Galatians, Paul addresses people considering circumcision as a religious requirement and warns that this choice would separate them from Christ and grace.

In Galatians by Paul the Apostle

The meaning today

Today, the phrase usually describes someone losing a respected position or the confidence of others. It can suggest a sharp contrast between earlier honour and later disgrace.

In The Mayor of Casterbridge, Henchard loses his business and public standing, and the disclosure that he once sold his wife deepens his disgrace.

In The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy

How to use Fall from grace

Establish what trust or respect the person once enjoyed.
Name the event that damaged that standing.
Use the phrase for lost favour, not simply bad luck.

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Does the phrase come from Adam and Eve?

The wording comes from Paul's letter to the Galatians, not the account of Adam and Eve. Their disobedience in Genesis is often called the Fall, which helps explain the connection people make, but the two expressions have different biblical settings.

Does a fall from grace always involve wrongdoing?

No, a fall from grace can mean losing favour even when wrongdoing has not been proved. A once-admired leader might lose support through failure, controversy, or changing opinion. The phrase describes a change in standing, so the surrounding explanation should make clear what actually happened.