“Achilles Heel” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 14, 2024 by Liam Daniel

You may hear the term “Achilles heel” very often in both spoken and written language. It is a phrase which is used regularly and has an interesting meaning. But where did this term originate from and why do we use it today?

“Achilles Heel” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The term “Achilles’ heel” refers to a person’s vulnerable point or weakness, particularly in the context of a character or situation that is generally strong or robust.
Achilles Heel
Achilles Heel – Created by 7ESL

“Achilles Heel” Meaning

The term “Achilles heel” refers to a person’s weak point or vulnerability, despite their overall strength or resilience. It implies that even the strongest individuals or systems have a specific flaw or weakness that can lead to their downfall.

Examples:

  • “Despite his impressive skills, his lack of attention to detail is his Achilles heel.”
  • “The company’s rapid growth is impressive, but their reliance on a single product is their Achilles heel.”

Origin of This Idiom

This phrase was first found in Greek mythology, the story of the God Achilles who was held by his heel by his mother who then dipped him into the river to make him immortal. However, because his heel was not dipped into the water, that part of him was not made immortal and when it was struck by an arrow, it killed him.

Usage of “Achilles Heel”

  • In a discussion about strengths and weaknesses:

“His confidence is his greatest asset, but his lack of attention to detail is his Achilles’ heel.”

  • Talking about a company’s vulnerability:

“The startup’s innovative product is impressive, but its limited marketing strategy is its Achilles’ heel.”

  • In a sports context:

“The team’s defense is strong, but their inconsistent scoring can be seen as an Achilles’ heel.”

  • During a personal assessment:

“While I excel in my career, my inability to handle criticism is my Achilles’ heel.”

Related Terms to “Achilles Heel”

  • Weakness – a lack of strength or a point of vulnerability.
  • Vulnerability – a susceptibility to harm or criticism, indicating a fragile point.
  • Flaw – a defect or imperfection that can lead to failure or problems.
  • Soft spot – a particular area where someone or something is especially vulnerable.
  • Downfall – a loss of power, prosperity, or status, often due to a weakness or flaw.
  • Kryptonite – a term used in popular culture to describe a weakness that can bring down a seemingly strong individual or entity.
  • Achilles’ point – a variation of the phrase that also refers to a specific vulnerability.
  • Critical weakness – a significant flaw that can jeopardize success or stability.
  • Chink in the armor – a metaphorical term referring to a small weakness in an otherwise strong defense.
  • Fatal flaw – a serious weakness or defect that ultimately leads to failure or disaster.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

There are other ways to express the meaning of this saying, some of these could be;

  • That is his fatal flaw
  • He has a weakness
  • Weakness
  • Vulnerable point
  • Flaw
  • Fatal weakness

“Achilles Heel” Examples

Example Sentences

The term Achilles heel might be used in a sports situation when talking about a particular weakness that an athlete has. You might say “Brian is so good at soccer but his Achilles heel is that he allows goal in too easily, really bringing his performance down.” It may also be used to refer to a person’s weakness for something.

More useful examples:

  • The enemy had an Achilles’ heel somewhere, if only he could find it.
  • The desire for publicity became her Achilles’ heel.
  • I think Frank’s vanity is his Achilles’ heel.
  • Measuring the microclimate was the expedition’s achilles’ heel.
  • The team’s offense is their Achilles’ heel.
  • The Achilles’ heel of the viewpoint lies in its infeasibility.
  • Cecilia is a very good dancer but she is too short. That’s her Achilles’ heel.

Conversation Examples

When using the phrase Achilles heel in a conversation, you might hear something like this:

Conversation 1:

  • Person 1: Do you want to try one of these chocolates? They’re so delicious.
  • Person 2: Oh no I’d better not, I’m on a diet and chocolate is my Achilles heel.

Conversation 2:

  • Person 1: I have been really practicing my writing skills recently.
  • Person 2: That’s very good, are you finding it easy?
  • Person 1: In a way, yes but grammar really is my Achilles heel.
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