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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.
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.
: a vulnerable point. Did you know? When the hero Achilles was an infant, his sea-nymph mother dipped him into the river Styx to make him immortal. But since she held him by one heel, this spot did not touch the water and so remained mortal and vulnerable, and it was here that Achilles was eventually mortally wounded.
Someone's Achilles heel is the weakest point in their character or nature, where it is easiest for other people to attack or criticize them. Horton's Achilles heel was that he could not delegate. Synonyms: weakness, failing, lack, fault More Synonyms of Achilles heel. Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary.
Achilles heel meaning: 1. a small problem or weakness in a person or system that can result in failure: 2. a small…. Learn more.
noun. /əˌkɪliːz ˈhiːl/ (also Achilles' heel) [usually singular] a weak point or fault in somebody’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. compare Achilles tendon. More Like This Expressions from history and legend.
An Achilles' heel is a specific weakness or vulnerability that might lead to failure. An otherwise excellent basketball player might consider her Achilles' heel to be the fact that she's short. In Greek mythology, Achilles was protected from a curse by being immersed in magical water as a baby.
ACHILLES' HEEL meaning: a fault or weakness that causes or could cause someone or something to fail.
Someone's Achilles heel is the weakest point in their character or nature, where it is easiest for other people to attack or criticize them.
noun. /əˌkɪliz ˈhil/ [singular] 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.