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Fly in the ointment

//ˈflaɪ ɪn ði ˈɔɪntm(ə)nt// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    Something (especially a minor thing) which ruins or spoils everything else, or makes it less pleasant; a nuisance or problem; a disagreeable or unpleasant detail. idiomatic

    "And yet, in truth, he was not then a child of God. His pride and uncharitableness, were flies in the ointment."

  2. 2
    an inconvenience that detracts from the usefulness of something wordnet

Etymology

A reference to Ecclesiastes 10:1 in the Bible (King James Version; spelling modernized): “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doeth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.”

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