weak link

Idioms and Phrases

The least dependable member of a group, as in The shipping department, slow in getting out orders, is our weak link in customer service , or They're all very capable designers except for Ron, who is clearly the weak link . This expression alludes to the fragile portion of a chain, where it is most likely to break. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

But to be effective, there cannot be any weak link in the defense.

From Los Angeles Times

The mega-blip, however isolated, fuelled accusations that Germany has long been a “weak link” within the European counter-intelligence due to a fragmented, federalised system that’s underpinned by a strong emphasis on individuals’ privacy.

From BBC

The Americans allowed South Sudan to shoot 61% in the first half, got outscored 21-3 from three-point range and turnovers — the clear weak link of this team so far — were a problem yet again.

From Los Angeles Times

“Not having a weak link is critical,” Harbaugh said.

From Los Angeles Times

The weak link, however, is the script by Lanthimos and Efthimis Filippou, who, despite the hope they’d steer back to their darkly suggestive “Dogtooth” days, can’t seem to link their customary meanness to any kind of profundity.

From Los Angeles Times