A Chink in the Armor — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

A small weak spot in someone or something otherwise strong.

When you find a chink in the armor, you have found the one narrow gap where pressure gets through.

It is often said with respect, because everything around that gap is solid.

Use it when…

When one small gap appears in a strong plan
When a confident person shows a single doubt
When pressure exposes the one weak part

Don’t confuse with...

"Achilles' Heel"

—

A fatal weakness that can bring the whole thing down

"The Last Straw"

—

The final small problem that makes someone finally react

"A Chink in the Armor"

—

A narrow weak spot in something otherwise well protected

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "A Chink in the Armor" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Meetings

An analyst points out that the support costs are a chink in the armor of an otherwise strong bid.

Relationships & Social Life

News

A reporter describes the candidate's record on housing as the chink in the armor.

Media & Everyday Life

TV Shows / Movies

A detective finds a chink in the armor of an alibi that sounded perfect.

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Use it like this

Here’s how to use "A Chink in the Armor" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Problem-Solving

Colleague

Everything in this proposal checks out to me.

You

The delivery timeline is a chink in the armor.

Relationships

Opinions

You

They're the strongest team in the league by far.

Friend

Their goalkeeper is the chink in the armor though.

Everyday Conversations

Giving Feedback

Manager

Is there anything you'd change about her presentation?

You

Only the budget slide — that's the chink in the armor.

‹›

Last updated:

October 4, 2026

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