English pronunciation · Words Starting with A
Achilles Heel Pronunciation
Achilles Heel is pronounced uh-KI-leez-HEEL, IPA /əˈkɪliz ˈhil/.
uh-KI-leez-HEEL
US /əˈkɪliz ˈhil/
Syllables: uh · KI · leez · HEEL (4 syllables, stress on syllable 2)
phrase (noun): A small weak point in someone or something otherwise strong.
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Achilles Heel in a Sentence
- Defending set pieces is this team's Achilles heel.
- Her Achilles heel has always been paperwork.
- Cost is the Achilles heel of the whole proposal.
Common Mispronunciations of Achilles Heel
Not a-CHI-leez HEEL
Read the ch as a hard k, the usual treatment of Greek names in English.
Not uh-KIL HEEL
Three syllables go into the name: uh, KI, leez. The final s is spoken, as it is in Hercules and Socrates.
Tip: Both words carry weight, with the stronger beat on KI and a second one on HEEL.
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