fly in the ointment
/ˈflaɪ ən ði ˈɔɪn(t)m(ə)nt/
UK: /ˈflaɪ ɪn ði ˈɔɪntm(ə)nt/
fly in the ointment
English
Noun
Ad
Definition
Something (especially a minor thing) which ruins or spoils everything else, or makes it less pleasant; a nuisance or problem; a disagreeable or unpleasant detail.
Etymology
A reference to Ecclesiastes 10:1 in the Bible (King James Version; spelling modernized): “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doeth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.”
Example Sentences
- "And yet, in truth, he was not then a child of God. His pride and uncharitableness, were flies in the ointment."
- "A Poor Relation—is the most irrelevant thing in nature,— […] —a fly in your ointment,—a mote in your eye,— […] —the ounce of sour in a pound of sweet."
- "Not one moment are we to be indolently reconciled to this ever-haunting imperfection of our life-work; but the work itself must be patiently surveyed in its true character. Nothing is gained by pretending there are no flies in the ointment."
Ad