- Achilles heel- This expression is used to refer to the sole point of weakness/ singular area of vulnerability, in an otherwise strong person/situation. The weakness so deciphered is fatal in that it is a potential avenue of downfall or destruction.
Background: In the Trojan war, Achilles, the seemingly unvanquished and indefatigable brave warrior who killed the Trojan hero Hector, was overcome by being shot in his heel. According to Greek mythology, Achilles’ mother dipped Achilles’ body in the water of the river Styx (thought to bestow powers of being unconquerable), to overcome the portentous foreboding that Achilles shall die young. ...
