the weakest link in the chain
the WEEK-est LINK in the CHAYN
ðə ˈwiːkɪst lɪŋk ɪn ðə tʃeɪnListen
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Dictionary meaning
the component, person, process, or relationship within a connected system whose failure or inadequacy determines the overall performance or resilience of the entire system, since a chain can only bear as much stress as its weakest link can withstand; the metaphor, drawn from the physical properties of chain links, is widely applied in supply chain management, team performance, cybersecurity, public health, and engineering to argue that overall system strength is limited by its most vulnerable element and that improving overall performance requires identifying and strengthening that element rather than reinforcing already strong components
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