underbelly
/ˈʌndəbeli/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈʌndɚbˌɛli] /ˈʌndərbeli/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈʌndɚbˌɛli] /ˈən-dər-ˌbe-lē How to pronounce underbelly (audio)/ (ame, mw)
underbelly — 名詞
1. the part of a system, organization, or plan that is most open to attack, critici
弱點；軟肋
系統或組織中最脆弱、易受攻擊的隱患
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.
Zuri 的報告揭露了城市住房計畫的弱點。
collocation: the underbelly of [system]
The documentary showed the dark underbelly of the fast-fashion business.
這部紀錄片呈現了快時尚產業的黑暗面。
collocation: dark underbelly
Ignacio warned the team about the plan's underbelly before they voted.
Ignacio 在表決前提醒團隊注意這項計畫的軟肋。
Eli slowly uncovered the underbelly of his uncle's perfect-looking life.
Eli 逐漸發現了他叔叔看似完美生活背後的弱點。
When the accounts were checked, the charity's financial underbelly came to light.
帳目經核查後，該慈善機構的財務軟肋浮上檯面。
- 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
下腹；底部
動物身體下方的柔軟部位，或物體的底面
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.
Dewi 撫摸貓咪的下腹，貓咪便開始大聲呼嚕。
possessive pattern: [animal]'s underbelly
The shark's pale underbelly flashed as it turned near the boat.
鯊魚蒼白的腹部在船邊轉身時一閃而過。
Ada spotted a red mark on the underbelly of the old wooden bridge.
Ada 在老木橋的底部發現了一個紅色痕跡。
The truck's underbelly was coated in mud after the long drive through the hills.
長途行駛穿越山丘後，卡車的底部滿是泥濘。
The snake's underbelly was a bright yellow that warned other animals away.
蛇的腹部呈現明亮的黃色，警告其他動物不要靠近。