Do you have an Achilles’ heel? And what is it? What does that expression really mean? Your Achilles’ heel is a soft spot where others can easily hurt you. The term “Achilles’ heel” is an idiomatic expression or an idiom. It may always be classified as a metaphor or metaphorical phrase.
In Greek mythology, Achilles was a warrior who was invincible. This was because, when he was born, his mother held him by his heel and dipped him into a magical river. His whole body was submerged into the river except for the heel that his mother held on to while she dipped him. Since his whole body was covered, no weapon could harm him, except on the heel which was not submerged. If anyone wounded him on his heel, it could prove fatal. This was his soft spot. This was Achilles’ heel.
Eventually, Achilles was killed by an arrow which struck him straight to the heel – the only part of his body where he could have been harmed.
Today, the expression “Achilles’ heel” is used as a metaphor for any vulnerable aspect of an exceptionally strong person or situation. Below are some examples.
- Despite being super intelligent, the man’s lack of patience is his Achilles’ heel.
- Poor cybersecurity proved to be the Achilles’ heel of an otherwise unstoppable company.
- The general’s overconfidence turned out to be his Achilles’ heel.
- Everyone expected the team to win, but weak defense proved to be their Achilles’ heel.
- In spite of her extraordinary talent, self-doubt remains her Achilles’ heel.
- High fuel costs became the airline’s Achilles’ heel.
- The government minister’s temper is his Achilles’ heel in political debates.
- Limited funding may be the Achilles’ heel of an otherwise ironclad project.
- Despite being extremely strong and intelligent, procrastination is my Achilles’ heel.
- Excessive partying is the talented athlete’s Achilles’ heel.
What makes you weak? What one aspect of your circumstances or personality makes it easy for people to “get to you”? What one thing makes you break down and cry even though you are emotionally strong? What is your Achilles’ heel?
Related: What is your Kryptonite?
Copyright 2026 by Patrick Carpen. All rights reserved.