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Region: General | Usage example: The software crash was a fly in the ointment after the smooth launch.

Fly in the ointment

Meaning

A small snag that spoils an otherwise good situation.

Usage

Used when warning to watch for minor but critical issues.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Old remedy stories noted insects in ointments ruined them.

Bible-based imagery that survived into general parlance.

Related Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Fish out of water

Feel uncomfortable in an unfamiliar situation.

A stitch in time saves nine

Fixing small problems now prevents bigger ones later.

More Idioms

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.

Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person/idea; making a false assumption.