underbelly

• Nom désignant la partie inférieure ou cachée d'une chose, souvent utilisé métaphoriquement pour évoquer l'aspect vulnérable, faible ou secret d'un système, d'une organisation ou d'une situation.

A noun referring to the lower side or underside of something, often used metaphorically to describe a vulnerable, weak, or hidden aspect of a system, organization, or situation.

1. Lower side or undersideB2formal

   The bottom part of something, especially the part that is not usually seen.

   face inférieure

   • The underbelly of the car was covered in mud.
   • They inspected the underbelly of the bridge for damage.
   • The ship's underbelly was reinforced against icebergs.

   Synonymesbottomunderneathunderpartundersideundersurface

2. Vulnerable or weak partC1formal

   A part of something that is weak, unprotected, or susceptible to attack.

   point faible

   • The company's financial underbelly was exposed during the recession.
   • The politician's scandal revealed the underbelly of his campaign.
   • The team's defense was the underbelly that opponents exploited.

   Synonymessoft spotvulnerabilityweak spotweakness

   Antonymesfortressshieldstrength

3. Hidden or unpleasant aspectC1formal

   The hidden, often negative or criminal, side of a society, organization, or activity.

   Face cachée, côté sombre

   • The documentary explored the underbelly of the city's nightlife.
   • The novel reveals the dark underbelly of the fashion industry.
   • Investigative journalists uncovered the underbelly of the political system.

   Synonymesundersideunderworld