Fly in the ointment Meaning in English
expression
ˈfɫaɪ/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɔɪntmənt
FLY in thee OYNT-muhnt
flˈaɪ/ /ˈɪn/ /ðə, ði/ /ˈɔɪntmənt
FLY in the OYNT-muhnt
Definition
A small problem or negative detail that spoils an otherwise good situation.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiomatic and slightly formal expression. Use it when pointing out a minor flaw in something mostly positive. Do not use for serious problems. Often used with 'the only fly in the ointment'.
Spanish: la mancha en el asunto - el peroPortuguese (BR): um porém - algo que estragaPortuguese (PT): uma desvantagem - algo que estragaChinese (Simplified): 美中不足Chinese (Traditional): 美中不足Hindi: खोट - बाधाArabic: ثغرة - نقطة سلبيةBengali: অল্প সমস্যা - ঝাঁঝালো দাগRussian: ложка дёгтяJapanese: 唯一の欠点 - 玉に瑕Vietnamese: vết nhỏ làm hỏng chuyện - điều phiền toái nhỏKorean: 옥에 티Turkish: güzelin kusuru - işin içine limon sıkmakUrdu: خرد عیب - معمولی کمی خرابیIndonesian: noda kecil - noda di sesuatu yang baik
Example Sentences
The broken chair was the fly in the ointment at the party.
basic
Everything was perfect except for one fly in the ointment.
basic
There's always a fly in the ointment in every plan.
basic
I got the new job, but the long commute is a real fly in the ointment.
natural
The vacation was wonderful; the only fly in the ointment was the rainy weather.
natural
He always finds the fly in the ointment no matter how good things are.
natural