a minor irritation that spoils the success or enjoyment of something.
A small flaw that spoils the whole thing
Before you conclude that I have become a raging Europhile, let me say that there is a fly in the ointment.
The only fly in the ointment in an otherwise perfect wedding day was the fact that the bride tripped when walking down the aisle.
There is no origin for this idiom
Was this page helpful?
definition
Common phrase that has a specific meaning.