C2idiomnatureIELTS-friendly
a fly in the ointment
USUK
one small problem that spoils something that is otherwise good
Usually 'the only fly in the ointment'. About a situation, not a person.
In context
The hotel was perfect; the only fly in the ointment was the noisy bar next door.
The plan looks good, but the fly in the ointment is the cost.
More idioms about nature
- a big fish in a small pondan important person, but only in a small group or place
- a bird's-eye viewa view of something from high above
- a breath of fresh airsomeone or something new and different that makes a situation more pleasant
- a dark horsea person with hidden talents, or a competitor nobody expected to do well
- a drop in the oceana very small amount compared with what is needed