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Achilles' heel

[/əˈkɪliz hiːl/]
nounpl: Achilles' heels
calcanhar de Aquiles
1. A weak or vulnerable point in someone or something that is otherwise strong or successful
Despite his intelligence, his Achilles' heel is his lack of social skills.
Apesar de sua inteligência, seu calcanhar de Aquiles é a falta de habilidades sociais.
2. A fatal weakness or flaw that can lead to failure or downfall
Poor customer service has become the company's Achilles' heel.
O atendimento ao cliente inadequado tornou-se o calcanhar de Aquiles da empresa.
Synonyms
weak pointweaknessvulnerabilityflawchink in the armor
Antonyms
strengthfortestrong point

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
calcanhar de Aquiles
Standard usage throughout Brazil
Portugal
calcanhar de Aquiles
Standard usage in Portugal

Related Idioms & Phrases

weak link in the chain
soft spot
point of vulnerability
chink in one's armor
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