fly in the ointment

Speech parts

1. fly in the ointment - Noun

2. fly in the ointment - Phrase

Meaning

an inconvenience that detracts from the usefulness of something

Source: WordNet

Synonyms

problem barrier disadvantage obstacle drawback complication impediment hindrance hitch hurdle snag pitfall hiccup

Antonyms

value plus perk profit reward bonus
Show all antonyms

Hypernyms

inconvenience worriment troublesomeness

Examples

The biggest fly in the ointment is Buckingham and Kensington Palaces, and Harry’s grandmother, the Queen, who has the final say. Source: Internet

The fly in the ointment could be Gantz. Source: Internet

The fly in the ointment is that he beat Mince Pie and New King, and these are only good horses when there are no really good horses about. Source: Internet

They'll need to get the briefcase back if Otis wants to cash it in, so while they did win tonight's matchup, Miz and Morrison did put a fly in the ointment of Otis' cash-in dreams. Source: Internet

Words in the phrase

fly in the ointment

Close letter words and terms

fly in the buttermilk fly in the face of fly in the face of the evidence fly in the teeth of fly into fly into a passion