The Village Idiom

chink in the armor

The idiom "chink in the armor" refers to a vulnerability or weakness in someone or something that was previously thought to be strong or invulnerable.

Filed under C

In a sentence

  • Despite being a top-notch defense player, his one weakness was a chink in the armor, which was his inability to defend against high kicks.
  • The company's stellar reputation suffered a major blow when a scandal exposed a chink in its armor, revealing a lack of proper financial oversight.
  • After months of rigorous training, the athlete was ready to compete, but a persistent shoulder injury proved to be a chink in his armor, hindering his performance.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "chink up" is a related expression that can be used in conjunction with "chink in the armor." Similar to "chink in the armor," "chink up" refers to identifying and addressing weaknesses or vulnerabilities. It suggests taking action to fortify or strengthen a person or system that may have a potential weak point. While "chink in the armor" focuses on identifying the weakness, "chink up" emphasizes the subsequent steps taken to address and rectify it. Together, these two idioms provide a comprehensive view of acknowledging weaknesses and taking proactive measures to overcome them.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.