Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
a-fly-in-the-ointment
idiom
/əˈflaɪ ɪn ði ˈɔɪntmənt/
Definition
A minor irritation or problem that detracts from the overall positive situation.
Examples
- Everything was going smoothly for the event until the cancellation of the speaker became a fly in the ointment.
- Her attitude was a fly in the ointment during the otherwise joyful reunion.
Meaning
The phrase describes a situation where something small can spoil or diminish the enjoyment or satisfaction of a good scenario.
Synonyms
- minor drawback
- nuisance
- spoiler
