English

Noun

fly in the ointment ‎(plural flies in the ointment)

1. (idiomatic) Something which ruins or spoils everything else; a nuisance or problem; an unpleasant or disagreeable detail.
   • 2003, Ron Ross, Bummy Davis vs. Murder, Inc, page 287:

     Bummy Davis is no longer a pugilist. Willie is very aware of this fact and lets Johnny Attell know that there is a fly in the ointment, and Johnny, who is a very shrewd article, has his chauffeur drive him to Bradford Street so he can change the kid's mind.

Translations