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Underbelly - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

underbelly

/ˈʌndərˌbɛli/ /ˈʌndəˌbɛli/

Definition:

The vulnerable or hidden part of something, often referring to crime or weakness.

Synonyms:

weak spot, soft underbelly, vulnerable area, Achilles' heel

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

strength, advantage

Common Collocations:

criminal underbelly, urban underbelly, society's underbelly

Derivatives:

underbellies (plural)

Usage Tips:

Use "underbelly" metaphorically to describe hidden vulnerabilities or illicit aspects of a system or place.

Common Phrases:

soft underbelly of society, expose the underbelly, dark underbelly of the city

Etymology:

Derived from "under" + "belly," referring to the vulnerable underside of an animal or figurative weakness.

Examples:

  • 1. The city's underbelly hides many illegal activities.
  • 2. Tourists rarely see the gritty underbelly of this glamorous destination.
  • 3. Corruption is the underbelly of their political system.
  • 4. The documentary exposed the dark underbelly of the industry.

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