Achilles' heel

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. His mother held his heel as she dipped him, leaving it unwashed by the protective water. His Achilles' heel was literally his heel, the one part of him vulnerable to the poison arrow which eventually killed him. Your Achilles' heel might be your lack of upper body strength, your laziness, or your shyness — anything that's a particular weak spot.

Definitions of Achilles' heel
  1. noun
    a seemingly small but actual mortal weakness
    see moresee less
    type of:
    soft spot, weak part, weak spot
    a place of especial vulnerability
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Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing Achilles' heel

Reading: Literature - Mythology - Introductory

If learning about the ancient world feels like a herculean task, review these terms related to Greek and Roman mythology. This epic list will take you on an odyssey through the classical world, where you'll encounter gods and goddesses, all-knowing oracles, and legendary creatures like the centaur.

Reading: Literature - Mythology - Middle School

If learning about the ancient world feels like a herculean task, review these terms related to Greek and Roman mythology. This epic list will take you on an odyssey through the classical world, where you'll encounter gods and goddesses, all-knowing oracles, and legendary creatures like the centaur.

Reading: Literature - Mythology - High School

If learning about the ancient world feels like a herculean task, review these terms related to Greek and Roman mythology. This epic list will take you on an odyssey through the classical world, where you'll encounter gods and goddesses, all-knowing oracles, and legendary creatures like the centaur.

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