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achilles' heel

Meaning: A person's weakness or the vulnerable spot in his or her character.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Category: Daily Life

Origin: Achilles was a figure in Greek mythology who was invulnerable in battle except for his heel. It was the one weak spot on his body.

More idioms — Daily Life

  • acid test — The most crucial or important test of worth.
  • across the board — Equally for everyone, for everything, or in all cases.
  • actions speak louder than words — The things that people do (actions) are more important than the things they say (words).
  • all kidding aside — Speaking seriously.
  • all thumbs — Uncoordinated and awkward, especially with one's hands.
  • at loggerheads — In strong disagreement, in a quarrel; at an impasse.

More English idioms

  • all wet — Wrong to the point of being silly or unbelievable.
  • at one's wits' end — At a loss about what to do next; in a state of frustration.
  • at the drop of a hat — On any pretext; without needing an excuse or reason.
  • at the end of one's rope — No longer able to deal with a bad situation.
  • ax to grind — A hidden reason for wanting something or for not liking someone or something.
  • backhanded compliment — A criticism that is phrased in such a way that it appears to be a compliment.

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