Achilles heel
Learning English encompasses not only mastering the fundamentals but also delving into idiomatic expressions. Idioms, while adding flavor to our speech, do not offer direct translations of their meanings. Instead, they require contextual understanding for proper comprehension and retention. Consider the idiom "Achilles heel." Derived from Greek mythology, it refers to Achilles, whose mother submerged him in a holy river, except for his heel which she held onto, rendering it his weakest point. Consequently, the idiom signifies one's vulnerability or weak spot. For instance, one could say, "Sam is an admirable person, but his short temper is his Achilles heel." Another example would be, "The team's captain is strong and bold, while Fen is the Achilles heel within the team." By grasping idiomatic expressions, learners enhance their language skills and convey nuanced meanings effectively.