chink in (one's)/the armor

chink in (one's)/the armor

A minor but very detrimental flaw or weakness. Yeah, he's brilliant, but his violent temper has destroyed many business relationships—it's a real chink in his armor. The criminal's tendency to use his own cell phone to conduct business was the chink in the armor the police needed to put him in jail.
See also: armor, chink
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

chink in one's armor

Fig. a special weakness that provides a means for attacking or impressing someone otherwise invulnerable. (Alludes to an opening in a suit of armor that allows a weapon to penetrate.) Jane's insecurity is the chink in her armor. The boss seems mean, but the chink in his armor is that he is easily flattered.
See also: armor, chink
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

chink in one's armor

A vulnerable area, as in Putting things off to the last minute is the chink in Pat's armor and is bound to get her in trouble one day . This term relies on chink in the sense of "a crack or gap," a meaning dating from about 1400 and used figuratively since the mid-1600s.
See also: armor, chink
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

a chink in someone's armour

If someone or something has a chink in their armour, they have a weakness that people can take advantage of, although they seem very strong and successful. Note: `Armour' is spelled `armor' in American English. With their superior knowledge, they might find the chinks in his armour. Labour leaders hope to use their annual conference to attack what they currently see as the most vulnerable chink in the government's armour. Note: A chink is a small hole or opening.
See also: armour, chink
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a chink in someone's armour

a weak point in someone's character, arguments, or ideas which makes them vulnerable to attack or criticism.
See also: armour, chink
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

a chink in somebody’s ˈarmour

(British English) (American English a chink in somebody’s ˈarmor) a weakness in somebody’s argument, character, etc., that can be used in an attack: The one chink in her armour is the lack of a sense of humour. She hates people laughing at her.
A chink is a small hole.
See also: armour, chink
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • armor
  • armour
  • chink
  • chink in armor
  • chink in one's armor
  • a chink in somebody's armour
  • a chink in someone's armour
  • a mote in someone's eye
  • chink in one's armor, a
  • chink up