In English, the phrase fly in the ointment is an idiomatic expression for a drawback, especially one that was not at first apparent, for example: "We had a cookstove, beans, and plates; the fly in the …

Meaning of fly in the ointment in English fly in the ointment idiom informal Add to word list a single thing or person that is spoiling a situation that could have been very positive or enjoyable:

A fly in the ointment is a small but irritating flaw that spoils the whole. In the 20th century the expression has also come to be used to describe a small flaw that comes to light to spoil an otherwise faultless …

May 8, 2023 · A “fly in the ointment” meant any minor annoyance, flaw, or inconvenience that prevents something from being completely perfect, delightful, or satisfactory.

Jun 17, 2025 · fly in the ointment (plural flies in the ointment) And yet, in truth, he was not then a child of God. His pride and uncharitableness, were flies in the ointment. Not one moment are we to be …

The idiom a fly in the ointment is meant to describe a minor flaw or problem that spoils an otherwise excellent situation. Think about it — a lovely pot of ointment, doing its ointment-y thing, then in …

If someone or something is a fly in the ointment, they prevent a situation from being as successful or happy as it would be without them. The only fly in the ointment is Bella's chronic lack of concentration.

Jul 24, 2025 · "Fly in the ointment" is an idiomatic expression used to describe an unexpected flaw, problem, or imperfection that spoils an otherwise good situation. Think of it like this: you’re enjoying a …

If you describe someone or something as a fly in the ointment, you think they spoil a situation and prevent it from being as successful as you had hoped. Rachel seems to be the one fly in the …

Meaning Of Idiom ‘A Fly in the Ointment A fly in the ointment is a small event, circumstance, or factor that spoils an entire endeavor, circumstance, reputation, etc.