Meaning:

    “罩” is a “cover” or “shield,” and “门” means “gate.” This term, often used in Chinese wuxia (martial arts and chivalry) fiction, refers to the Achilles’ heel of a kung-fu master. If one is hit in this part of his body, he will easily be defeated or even killed. This term became popular after it was mentioned by a TV host in a martial arts contest broadcast live on Henan Satellite TV early this year. The host was referring to a Chinese master defeating a Thai boxing champion despite being kicked in his private parts, traditionally thought of as people’s Achilles’ heels. The term has since acquired a general meaning for all kinds of weak points, used in a joking manner.

    Example:

    A: 你们深圳交通真方便，哪儿都有大巴站，地铁四通八达。

    Nǐmen shēnzhèn jiāotōng zhēn fāngbiàn, nǎr dōu yǒu dàbā zhàn, dìtiě sìtōng-bādá。

    Transport is so convenient in Shenzhen, where bus stops are everywhere and Metro lines take you to every corner of the city.

    B: 上班高峰期你坐四号线试试，那就是深圳地铁的罩门。

    Shàngbān gāofēng qī nǐ zuò sì hào xiàn shìshì, nà jìushì shēnzhèn dìtiě de zhàomén。

    You can try out Metro Line 4 during rush hours. That is the Achilles’ heel of the Metro.

    A: 有多糟糕呢？

    Yǒu duō zāogāo ne?

    How bad can it be?

    B: 我曾经看着三趟车经过就是挤不上去。

    Wǒ céngjīng kàn zhe sān tàng chē jīngguò jìushì jǐ bù shàngqù。

    I watched three trains ride past without being able to push onto one.