weak point
Meaning
A particular fault, disadvantage, or area of vulnerability that makes someone or something susceptible to failure or criticism.
Origin
The phrase "weak point" is remarkably straightforward, emerging not from a specific dramatic event but from the very practical observation of the world. Picture ancient engineers or meticulous strategists surveying a structure or a defense line, instinctively seeking the single brick, timber, or section that, if compromised, could bring down the whole. This literal understanding of a physical 'weak point'—a structural imperfection or a gap in a barrier—was crucial for survival and construction. Over centuries, this purely physical concept effortlessly broadened its scope, applying itself just as readily to the abstract: a flaw in an argument, a vulnerability in a plan, or a specific character defect. It's a testament to the phrase's inherent clarity that it has endured as a universally understood descriptor for any area of susceptibility.
Examples
- His inability to delegate responsibilities was always his weak point as a manager.
- The enemy identified the northern gate as the fort's weak point, planning their assault there.