Achilles heel definition: 1. a small problem or weakness in a person or system that can result in failure: 2. a small…. Meaning of Idiom ‘Achilles Heel’ An Achilles heel is a person’s (organization, country, etc.) Phrases, Idioms & App. Even though it's located in the same part of the body, don't confuse “Achilles' heel” with “Achilles tendon,” which connects muscles in your lower leg to your heel bone. Achilles, who grew to become a great warrior, died during the Trojan War when an arrow struck his heel. 2) ... list of powerful males brought down by some type of extra-marital affair. Achilles, who grew to become a great warrior, died during the Trojan War when an arrow struck his heel. In Greek mythology, the hero Achilles was killed after being struck in the heel—the only weak spot on his body. In fact, idioms are often cultural. Chocolate was Mary's Achilles' heel; whenever it was around, she couldn't resist Idiom The icy, bitter night seemed to disappear as Sally curled up next to the warm, crackling fire. What's the origin of the phrase 'Achilles' heel'? Achilles' heel A weakness that may not seem important but is actually mortal. Thetis dipped her young son Achilles in the river, but she held him by his heel. This page is about the idiom Achilles' heel. We've found 9 phrases and idioms matching achilles heel. And I know that it could kill him. Meaning. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. Today, the tendon that stretches up the calf from the heel is called the Achilles tendon. Not so. Definition: said about a strong situation which contains an element of vulnerability. Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content, Proteins in the stretch: tugging at single molecules reveals their secrets. What does the expression “Achilles’ heel” mean? The term became a literary metaphor about two centuries ago and remains current as a cliché. ACHILLES HEEL Poor launch, woolly ideas, lacks momentum at present. Even though it's located in the same part of the body, don't confuse “Achilles' heel” with “Achilles tendon,” which connects muscles in your lower leg to your heel bone. Although it can refer to a physical weakness or limitation, this idiom can refer to any perceived weakness. Achilles Heel can also refer to the specific gene which causes cancerous cell division, and some chemicals can potentially target to eliminate the tumor and cancerous cells. An Achilles' heel is a weakness in spite of overall strength, which can lead to downfall. Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content, Achilles' heel has been fixed, says Bruce, Achilles' injury was the heel deal; your letters, Military networks are Pentagon's 'Achilles' heel', Proteins in the stretch: tugging at single molecules reveals their secrets, Golf: YET GRIN AND BEAR IT..WOODS ISN'T GREATEST, Faster, cheaper, better: the process of life underwriting continues to evolve. He was later killed by an arrow wound to the heel. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. His pride proved to be his Achilles’ heel. A weakness or vulnerability that can lead to permanent destruction or downfall. But it w… https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/an+Achilles%27+heel. The only portion of his body not immersed into the water was his heels, by which his mother held him. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. A ten year siege on the city of Troy by a coalition of Greek kingdoms. '. Achilles' heel A fatal weakness, a vulnerable area, as in This division, which is rarely profitable, is the company's Achilles' heel. Today, the term "Achilles' heel" is used to describe a point of weakness that could lead to ones' downfall. The term is derived from the Greek myth of the hero Achilles, whose mother held him by the heel while dipping him into the River Styx to make him immortal. Remember those Saturn commercials showing shopping carts bouncing harmlessly off of plastic body panels? A weakness or vulnerability that can lead to permanent destruction or downfall. https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/Achilles%27+heel. (E-Fusion Conference: Standards; Technology), HONDA GOES DIESEL TO BOOST EUROPEAN SALES, HIV drug resistance testing: data be damned, Of Wrongway Wheels, Windows [sic] Shopping, and a Heavily Cool Comeback to 'What's up? Phrases related to: achilles heel Yee yee! According to Greek mythology, anyone who was immersed in the River Styx, which marked the boundary of the underworld, became invulnerable. He was very brave, but fear of spiders was his Achilles' heel. Definition: The weak point of an otherwise powerful person or organization Example: Manchester United are very strong this year, but their striker may be their Achilles’ heel. : 1. a small problem or weakness in spite of overall strength, which can lead downfall. Remains current as a result, the tendon that stretches up the calf the! Purposes only “ Achilles ’ heel dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data for! By a coalition of Greek kingdoms the 19th century that he could not delegate dipped and. 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