E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Cloven Foot.
To show the cloven foot, i.e. to show a knavish intention, a base motive. The allusion is to Satan, represented with the legs and feet of a goat; and, however he might disguise himself, he could never conceal his cloven feet. (See BAG O’ NAILS, GOAT.)
1
“Real grief little influenced its composition and the cloven foot peeps out in some letters written by him at the period.”—St. James’s Magazine.
