Part 2: Achilles Heel
Achilles heel is a small but serious weakness in someone who is otherwise perfect.
When Sue says, "I want to lose weight, but ice cream is my Achilles heel," she probably means her craving for ice cream is blocking her from losing weight.
The phrase "Achilles heel" originated from the legend of an ancient Greek hero named Achilles. When he was born, a witch doctor predicted that he would die young; so he advised his mother to dip him in River Styx if she wanted him to live long. She took him to the banks of River Styx, and she submerged his whole body in water while holding the heel of his right leg. The heel she was holding did not touch water, so it was unprotected.
When he grew up, Achilles became one of the greatest Greek warriors. He fought many battles, and he won all of them. On the battlefield, he terrified enemies. Their spears and arrows bounced off his body because of the protection he got when his mother dipped his body in River Styx.
As strong as he was, Achilles had one vulnerable spot his enemies were not aware of - the heel his mother held when she dipped him in River Styx. His death finally came when an enemy aimed an arrow at him, and it accidentally landed on his right heel, the Achilles heel.
Today, the term Achilles heel refers to habits, addictions, cravings, or attitudes that prevent people from becoming their best or achieving their goals.
