fly in the ointment

phrase

Synonyms of fly in the ointmentnext
: a detracting factor or element

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fly in the ointment was in 1828

Rhymes for fly in the ointment

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Browse Nearby Words

fly in the face of
fly in the ointment
fly into
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Cite this Entry

“Fly in the ointment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fly%20in%20the%20ointment. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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