a fly in the ointment — a minor irritation or problem that spoils a situation
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a minor irritation or problem that spoils a situation
Pronunciation (IPA): /ə flaɪ ɪn ði ˈɔɪntmənt/
Example Sentences
- The vacation was perfect, but the lost luggage was a fly in the ointment.
- His promotion came with a raise, but the early morning meetings were the fly in the ointment.
- The wedding was beautiful, except for Uncle Bob's karaoke performance - that was definitely a fly in the ointment.
a fly in the ointment
NOUN[/ə flaɪ ɪn ði ˈɔɪntmənt/]
a minor irritation or problem that spoils a situation
The surprise party was perfect, but the rain was a fly in the ointment.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This expression originates from the Biblical Book of Ecclesiastes 10:1, which contains the Hebrew passage describing how a dead fly causes the ointment of the perfume maker to putrefy and emit a foul odor. The phrase has evolved to signify that something small and seemingly insignificant can spoil or ruin an otherwise good situation.
Breakdown
fly (parasitic insect) + ointment (fragrant oil or salve) = a small corrupting element within something otherwise valuable. The metaphor compounds a concrete image (a fly in a precious substance) to represent abstract corruption or ruination.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The vacation was perfect, but the lost luggage was a fly in the ointment.”
“His promotion came with a raise, but the early morning meetings were the fly in the ointment.”
“The wedding was beautiful, except for Uncle Bob's karaoke performance - that was definitely a fly in the ointment.”
“The new apartment is amazing, but the noisy neighbor upstairs is a fly in the ointment.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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