Achilles' heel

That growth was the answer to America’s economic Achilles’ heel, its federal debt, which has now reached a record $40 trillion.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

All villains and warriors have an Achilles’ heel, and for female roles in particular, it’s usually sacrificing themselves to protect their family.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 14, 2026

It is an Achilles' heel that has dogged Scheffler before, but the PGA Tour has him as fifth-best putter, external on tour in 2026 - so it is certainly not a problem every week.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

Ultimately, the strength in tech and AI that has sent the Kospi to record highs could be an Achilles’ heel.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

Armed with 2,400 years' worth of extra mathematics, it is not hard for us to go back and find Zeno’s Achilles’ heel.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

Even China’s imports of crude, previously an Achilles heel given its heavy dependence on energy to fuel its economy, dropped 8.8% as electric vehicles continue to dominate the market for autos domestically.

From MarketWatch ● Jan. 14, 2026

Could Achilles injuries be the Achilles heel of the NBA?

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 23, 2025

A favourite with the bookies, the song's only Achilles heel is its similarity to last year's winner, Nemo.

From BBC ● May 9, 2025

It's the Achilles heel of authoritarians throughout time.

From Salon ● Nov. 15, 2024

“You know what an Achilles heel is, Eddie?”

From "The Million Dollar Shot" by Dan Gutman