A small disturbance or irritation which can spoil ones pleasure and excitement
Etymology:
- This phrase finds its origin in Bible (Ecclesiastics 10:1). Many years ago, people believed that a small annoyance can sometimes cause a big trouble and eventually can ruin things. Ointment means a creamy substance which is used to soften or heal up the skin. Any ointment gets ruined when a fly is found in it.
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The people were going crazy in the musical concert, but sudden lights off were the fly in the ointment.
Submitted on February 25, 2019
Additional definitions for 'Fly in the Ointment':
| fly in the ointment | Something which ruins or spoils everything else; a nuisance or problem; an unpleasant or disagreeable detail. |
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"Fly in the Ointment." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 22 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/fly-in-the-ointment_44671>.
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