how the mighty have fallen

English

Etymology

The phrase originates in the Old Testament, 2 Samuel 1:19. The earliest version in English is found in the Great Bible, 1539: "Oh howe are the myghtie ouerthrowen."

The modern word "fallen" version is found in the King James Version, 1611 and is an expression of David's lament over Saul and Jonathan: "The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!"

Phrase

how the mighty have fallen

  1. Used to imply the decline of a once-great person or entity.

Translations

See also
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