Question

Fly in the Ointment a small annoyance that spoils an otherwise pleasant situation

Accepted Answer

The food, the music, and the decorations were perfect, but her camera broke. That was the fly in the ointment. This saying comes from the Bible (Ecclesiastes 10:1). Thousands of years ago, people realized that a tiny nuisance can sometimes ruin something pleasant. Ointment is a creamy substance that soothes, softens, or heals the skin. Finding a fly in the ointment would certainly ruin it.

Idiom	Fly in the Ointment
Example	The food, the music, and the decorations were perfect, but her camera broke. That was the fly in the ointment.
Meaning	a small annoyance that spoils an otherwise pleasant situation
Origin	This saying comes from the Bible (Ecclesiastes 10:1). Thousands of years ago, people realized that a tiny nuisance can sometimes ruin something pleasant. Ointment is a creamy substance that soothes, softens, or heals the skin. Finding a fly in the ointment would certainly ruin it.

Ointment Fly Ruin Food Music Decorations Perfect Camera