Here's What 'Achilles' Heel' Really Means

The idiom "Achilles' Heel" refers to a person's vulnerability, or a critical weakness or flaw in an otherwise strong person or thing. It originates from Greek mythology and is derived from the story of Achilles, a hero of the Trojan War.

In the story, it is said that Achilles was invulnerable to any weapons, but his mother, Thetis, had a prophetic dream that her son would die in battle. To prevent this, she dipped him in the river Styx, making him invulnerable — except for his heel, which was not submerged in the water. This became known as his weak spot, or “Achilles' Heel”.

As the story of Achilles' Heel spread, it became a metaphor to describe someone's greatest weakness — something that, if exploited, could easily bring down a powerful or seemingly invincible person or thing.

The idiom "Achilles' Heel" is often used in a figurative sense to refer to any person or thing's critical weakness or vulnerability. It may refer to a small error that can lead to a larger disaster or to a person's character flaws.

For example, someone may refer to a leader's arrogance as their "Achilles' Heel" or a company's reliance on one supplier as its "Achilles' Heel". It may also be used more generally to describe a weakness or vulnerability in someone's armor.

Here are examples on how the idiom can be used in sentences:

It was her Achilles' Heel; no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't stop procrastinating.
His lack of experience was his Achilles' Heel as he prepared for the exam.
The company's dependence on overseas suppliers was their Achilles' Heel during the pandemic.
His inability to take criticism was his Achilles' Heel and led to many arguments.
The team's lack of communication was their Achilles' Heel during the championship game.
Her lack of self-confidence was her Achilles' Heel when it came to taking risks.
His overconfidence was his Achilles' Heel in the business world.
His poor negotiating skills were his Achilles' Heel when it came to securing deals.
Her lack of preparation was her Achilles' Heel in the competition.

The idiom can also be used more literally in sports or other competitive contexts to refer to an opponent's weak spot or vulnerability. For example, someone may refer to a tennis player's weak backhand as their "Achilles' Heel".

His arrogance was his Achilles' Heel, and it caused him to make some costly mistakes.