Phrase Finder

Idioms · 2 entries

Greek origin

What does "Greek origin" mean?

A fatal weakness in an otherwise strong person or thing.

Achilles’ heel

The United Kingdom - 19th century.

Cloud cuckoo-land

‘Cloud cuckoo-land’ derives from a comment made by was coined by the 4th century BC Greek playwright Aristophanes in the whimsical and extravagant play The Birds. First used in English in the 1820s, in the United Kingdom.

Entry 1

Achilles’ heel

Meaning A fatal weakness in an otherwise strong person or thing.

Usage Worldwide, but more commonly amongst the older generation.

Example

  • JFK’s Achilles heel was his inability to ignore the charms of a long-legged blonde.

Pronunciation

Entry 2

Cloud cuckoo-land

Meaning An imaginary idealistic state where everything is perfect. It is usually used with reference to someone who has an overly optimistic and unrealistic belief.

Usage Worldwide.

Example

  • If you think you can get a managerial job without any qualifications or experience you are living in cloud cuckoo-land.

Pronunciation