- Meaning
- This idiom describes blindly or fanatically following a flawed, discredited, or unworthy leader, idea, or institution, as if revering a shattered idol despite its obvious cracks. It conveys misguided loyalty or delusion, often used in political, cultural, or personal contexts to critique unquestioning devotion to something that’s lost its legitimacy. The phrase carries a tone of scorn, pity, or sharp critique, reflecting cultural wariness of blind allegiance and the human tendency to cling to ideals past their prime. It resonates in scenarios of disillusionment or cult-like fervor, capturing the tragedy of misplaced faith, and its religious imagery adds a layer of solemn intensity, evoking a fallen deity. The idiom often urges critical thinking, making it a provocative metaphor for challenging outdated or corrupt loyalties.
- Origin
- The phrase likely emerged in 19th-century Britain, inspired by Romantic critiques of decaying institutions and biblical imagery of idolatry, as noted in theological debates. Its earliest recorded use appears in an 1832 *The Times* editorial, lambasting politicians ‘worshipping the broken idol’ of empire. The idiom gained traction in the Victorian era, reflecting skepticism of authority, as seen in Thomas Carlyle’s *On Heroes* (1841), which questions hero-worship. Its use grew in 20th-century British and American English, particularly in political and cultural critique, amplified by media like *The New York Times* during the 1960s’ counterculture movements. The phrase’s adoption in Commonwealth English came through British influence, and its spread was fueled by its vivid imagery, evoking a shattered statue, and its applicability to blind loyalty, ensuring its enduring use across English-speaking cultures, from political scandals to cult exposés.
- Variants
-
- Worshipping the Broken Idol
- Worship the Broken Idol
- Kneeling to the Broken Idol
- At the Broken Idol’s Altar
- Examples
-
- They’re worshipping the broken idol, blindly supporting a corrupt leader.
- Worship the broken idol, and you’ll regret backing that failed policy.
- Kneeling to the broken idol, fans clung to the disgraced star.
- At the broken idol’s altar, they defended the outdated system.
- Worshipping the broken idol, he followed the guru despite the lies.
- Worship the broken idol, and you’ll be burned by their hypocrisy.
|