flies in the ointment
Small ruinous elements
Problems or drawbacks that spoil an otherwise good situation.
The phrase comes from a biblical image of dead flies contaminating perfumed oil.
A single fly ruins the ointment; multiple flies compound the damage: The job offer was perfect except for a few flies in the ointment—the long commute and no remote work option.
- flyTwo-winged buzzing insect
- monkey wrenchTool with sliding jaw
- wrench in the worksUnexpected complication derailing plans
- difficultyState of being hard
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
curse · obstacle · snag · hindrance · sticking point · blemish · defect · shortcoming · drawback · problem · glitch · complication · figure of speech · Achilles' heel · thorn in one's side · issue · annoyance · elephant in the room
flies in the ointmenticing on the cake
Pleasant additional benefit
silver linings · cherry on top · blessings in disguise · silver lining · saving graces
flies in the ointmenthidden gem
Underappreciated find
diamond in the rough · stroke of luck · lucky break · happy accident · serendipity
flies in the ointmentfeathers in one's cap
Notable accomplishments bringing pride
aces in the hole · trump cards · crown jewels · selling points · strong suits
flies, flying, ointment, anoint, anointed, anointing, unguent