weak link
Chain's vulnerable spot
A weak link is the most vulnerable element in a system or chain—the component most likely to fail under stress.
From the literal sense that a chain breaks at its weakest point, the phrase extends to any person, process, or part that compromises overall strength: Our defense is solid, but the goalkeeper is the weak link.
Often appears as the weak link in the chain.
- choke pointConstricted passage limiting movement
- Achilles' heelCritical personal weakness
- fatal flawRuinous character defect
- bottleneckConstriction limiting throughput
- chinkNarrow slit or clink
vulnerability · security hole · fragility · house of cards · liability · loose cannon · soft spot · easy target · flaw · shortcoming · tenuous · single point of failure · brittle · defect · dependency · drawback · deficiency · fault
- weakened thingsthin ice, brittle bone, worn tread, dying ember, low battery
- problemsproblem, issue, difficulty, complication, trouble
- shortcomingsdeficient, inadequate, lacking, inferior, subpar
- connectorscable, cables, connector, connectors, wires
- vulnerabilitiesvulnerability, insecurity, self-doubt, flaw, weaknesses
- building damagestructural collapse, cracked foundation, wall crack, bowing, sagging
weak linklinchpin
Vital securing element
keystone · backbone · pillar · cornerstone · anchor
weak linkstar player
Team's premier athlete
MVP · crown jewel · key player · top performer · driving force