We have all heard the phrase Achilles Heel, referring to the critical mistake or flaw in a plan, or the one, vulnerable spot in an otherwise well oiled lean, mean fighting machine.
What exactly is the origin of this phrase and who, pray tell, be this Achilles chap; bit of a strange name isn't it?
Well that's because the origins of this one are old - Greek mythology no less, so well over two thousand years old. Achilles was literally invulnerable apart from the heel that he was held by when his mother made him immortal by dipping him in the Styx (not so many super potent rivers around these days alas).
So anyhow the only part that was vulnerable was his heel, and the phrase has stuck around ever since as any small but fatal flaw in a plan being known as it's Achilles Heel.
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