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fly in the ointment

Something which ruins or spoils everything else; a nuisance or problem; an unpleasant or disagreeable detail.

Etymology:

  • A reference to Ecclesiastes 10:1 in the Bible.
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“

It's a lovely plan. The fly in the ointment is Andrew Ackner.

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Submitted on September 01, 2009

Additional definitions for 'fly in the ointment':

Fly in the OintmentA small disturbance or irritation which can spoil ones pleasure and excitement
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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to fly in the ointment

Fly Off the Handlebar flyfly outfly byfly by the seat of one's pantsFly the Coopfly on the walla fly by nightfly out of the trapsfly outfly off the shelvesfly bya fly in the ointmentfly out

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