English Explanatory Dictionary

fly in the ointment

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. 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.

Pronunciation

/ˈflaɪ ɪn ði ˈɔɪntm(ə)nt/ /ˈflaɪ ən ði ˈɔɪn(t)m(ə)nt/ En-au-fly in the ointment.ogg

Word forms

fly in the ointment flies in the ointment

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.”

Synonyms

turd in the punchbowl worm in the apple fly in the buttermilk

Related words

ghost at the feast spectre at the feast spoilsport
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