underbelly
/ˈʌndəbeli/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈʌndɚbˌɛli] /ˈʌndərbeli/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈʌndɚbˌɛli] /ˈən-dər-ˌbe-lē How to pronounce underbelly (audio)/ (ame, mw)
underbelly — noun
1. the part of a system, organization, or plan that is most open to attack, critici
the part of a system, organization, or plan that is most open to attack, criticism, or failure — often something people try to keep hidden.
Zuri's report laid bare the underbelly of the city's housing programme.
collocation: the underbelly of [system]
The documentary showed the dark underbelly of the fast-fashion business.
collocation: dark underbelly
Ignacio warned the team about the plan's underbelly before they voted.
Eli slowly uncovered the underbelly of his uncle's perfect-looking life.
When the accounts were checked, the charity's financial underbelly came to light.
- weak point
more direct and less metaphorical; works for anything including small groups and individuals
- Achilles heel
more personal and dramatic; suggests a single fatal weakness in an otherwise strong person or thing
- soft spot
informal; often means a fondness or affection rather than a vulnerability
- vulnerability
more abstract; focuses on the state of being open to harm rather than the specific hidden area
用法筆記
Typically refers to systems, organizations, or plans — not to individual people. Frequently paired with adjectives like 'dark,' 'soft,' or 'financial.'
常見錯誤
2. the soft, exposed underside of an animal, or the bottom surface of a large objec
the soft, exposed underside of an animal, or the bottom surface of a large object.
Dewi rubbed the cat's underbelly, and it began to purr loudly.
possessive pattern: [animal]'s underbelly
The shark's pale underbelly flashed as it turned near the boat.
Ada spotted a red mark on the underbelly of the old wooden bridge.
The truck's underbelly was coated in mud after the long drive through the hills.
The snake's underbelly was a bright yellow that warned other animals away.