How to Pronounce "fly in the ointment"
expression
FLY in thee OYNT-muhnt
FLY in the OYNT-muhnt
Definition
A small problem or negative detail that spoils an otherwise good situation.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈfɫaɪ/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɔɪntmənt
British English
flˈaɪ/ /ˈɪn/ /ðə, ði/ /ˈɔɪntmənt
Simplified Pronunciation
US
FLY in thee OYNT-muhnt
UK
FLY in the OYNT-muhnt
Listen in Context
The broken chair was the fly in the ointment at the party.
Everything was perfect except for one fly in the ointment.
There's always a fly in the ointment in every plan.
I got the new job, but the long commute is a real fly in the ointment.