Achilles' heel

'The popular movie Troy follows the same storyline as that of Achilles. In literature the sentence “… is his only Achilles’ heel” is a common one. This is used to describe the only weakness of a person. As with most idioms, proverbs and myths, Achilles’ heel has a story behind it.

Achilles is said to be the son of King Peleus (Who is mortal). Achilles is strong, handsome, brave and till date regarded as one of the greatest warriors of the Trojan war.  At a young age Thetis dipped Achilles into the River Styx, she dipped his head and body into the river by holding his legs. Every part of his body that entered the river became impenetrable by arrow or sword. His heels which weren’t immersed in the river became the only vulnerable part of his body, hence the proverbial “Achilles’ heel”

Later we will get to know that he was later killed by the Trojan Prince who shoot his heels, just like in the movie Troy when he surrendered himself and also revealed his weakness.

Every man has his own Achilles heel. It’s a weakness you know you have but don’t work on. Some people say it openly and reveal their weakness to others not knowing it can be used against them. Just like Samson in the bible who reveals the root of his power to his lover. This brings me to the number one Achilles’ heel

-Women/ men

For many, their sexual urge is always their problem. They chase men/women without caution. Especially men, some chase everything in skirt, they don’t care who the person is. We’ve seen cases of men asking their wife’s sisters out, Bosses trying to pressure their staff into going into bed with them. Most men even boast around about the number of women they’ve laid with. Like Samson, their lust do lead them to their downfall.

-Alcohol

This is another weakness people have. Personally, I find it hard to understand why people have an addiction to this poison. The taste alone is awful and the damage it does to the body is much. When intoxicated, so many people say and do things they don’t plan or something they wouldn’t dare say or do in their normal state. The embarrassing things they do when intoxicated ought to stop them from moving near a bottle again but since it’s their Achilles’ heel, they can’t control it.

- Talking

Talking too much can be a weakness. When someone doesn’t know how to control his tongue, he’ll feed his foes with information that will lead to his downfall. Everything in life requires moderation. Though it’s good to interact and connect with others, it’s wise to be careful of the things one says and also be careful of where you talk.  Some people can share their bio in one sitting with a stranger. They will tell him their history up to the 3rd generation, their hates and likes all in the name of socializing.

-Food

Food can be a weakness. Some people can’t say no to food or a particular food. There was a time I was addicted to a particular biscuit, whenever my siblings need something from me, they buy this biscuit and flaunt it around. No matter how I try to control myself, I won’t know when I will ask for a bite and they will ask for a request in exchange for a bite. I’ve long gotten over it, but it’s the same way it works for some people. I know a friend that mustn't perceive the aroma of pasta. Everything he is doing at that point will be meaningless until he takes a bite.

-Second person

This is the most common situation where the proverbial “Achilles’ heel” is used. An example is a statement like “ The boss is devoid of any emotions, he is strong and smart. We’ve tried to pull him down to no avail until we discovered his Achilles’ heel - which is his love for his daughter”. One’s love for another person can be his weakness, it can be one’s wife, husband, siblings, children or parents. The urge to protect them at all times might be a weakness but it’s a natural phenomenon.

Conclusion

What’s your Achilles’ heel? Try to work on it, try to control your tongue and your desire. It’s okay to like something but letting it control you is a great disadvantage.

 Reference

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