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- DictionaryAchilles heel/əˈkɪliːzˌhiːl/
noun
- 1. a weakness or vulnerable point: "the Achilles heel of the case for nuclear power remains the issue of the disposal of waste"
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Achilles heel definition: 1. a small problem or weakness in a person or system that can result in failure: 2. a small…. Learn more.
The meaning of ACHILLES' HEEL is a vulnerable point. How to use Achilles' heel in a sentence. Did you know?
An Achilles' heel [1] (or Achilles heel [2] [3]) is a weakness despite overall strength, which can lead to downfall. While the mythological origin refers to a physical vulnerability, idiomatic references to other attributes or qualities that can lead to downfall are common. Oil painting ( c. 1625) by Peter Paul Rubens of the goddess Thetis ...
Achilles heel definition: a portion, spot, area, or the like, that is especially or solely vulnerable. See examples of ACHILLES HEEL used in a sentence.
A small but fatal weakness.... Click for English pronunciations, examples sentences, video.
Word Origin Named after the Greek hero Achilles. When he was a small child, his mother held him below the surface of the river Styx to protect him against any injury. She held him by his heel, which therefore was not touched by the water. Achilles died after being wounded by an arrow in the heel.
Achilles' heel: 1 n a seemingly small but actual mortal weakness Type of: soft spot , weak part , weak spot a place of especial vulnerability
Achilles heel definition, a portion, spot, area, or the like, that is especially or solely vulnerable: His Achilles heel is his quick temper. See more.
Examples from the Corpus Achilles' heel • The team's offense is their Achilles' heel. • But, as at Loch Lomond, it was the hotel that was to prove the development's Achilles' heel. • Cara had one very big Achilles' heel - Barnaby Stewart. • Decoys that can confuse the homing sensor in the interceptor are the Achilles' heel of this system.
a weak point or fault in someone's character, which can be attacked by other people The desire for publicity became her Achilles heel. The enemy had an Achilles heel somewhere, if only he could find it. Named after the Greek hero Achilles. When he was a small child, his mother held him below the surface of the river Styx to protect him against ...
