FLY IN THE OINTMENT Synonyms
There are 3 hypernyms of the phrase fly in the ointment. (close relations)
Definition of FLY IN THE OINTMENT
Best Alternative Words for FLY IN THE OINTMENT
Expand? | Word | Save? | More Syns.. | Usage | Type | |||
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barrier | nounn | |||||||
noun • a structure or object that impedes free movement • any condition that makes it difficult to make progress or to achieve an objective • anything serving to maintain separation by obstructing vision or access | ||||||||
catch | verb, adverb, nounv, adv, n | |||||||
noun • a drawback or difficulty that is not readily evident • the quantity that was caught • a person regarded as a good matrimonial prospect • anything that is caught (especially if it is worth catching) • a break or check in the voice (usually a sign of strong emotion) • a restraint that checks the motion of something • a fastener that fastens or locks a door or window • a cooperative game in which a ball is passed back and forth • the act of catching an object with the hands • the act of apprehending (especially apprehending a criminal) verb • discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state • perceive with the senses quickly, suddenly, or momentarily • reach with a blow or hit in a particular spot • take hold of so as to seize or restrain or stop the motion of • succeed in catching or seizing, especially after a chase • to hook or entangle • attract and fix • capture as if by hunting, snaring, or trapping • reach in time • get or regain something necessary, usually quickly or briefly • catch up with and possibly overtake • be struck or affected by • check oneself during an action • hear, usually without the knowledge of the speakers • see or watch • cause to become accidentally or suddenly caught, ensnared, or entangled • detect a blunder or misstep • grasp with the mind or develop an understanding of • come down with • start burning • perceive by hearing • suffer from the receipt of • attract; cause to be enamored • apprehend and reproduce accurately • take in and retain • spread or be communicated • be the catcher • become aware of • delay or hold up; prevent from proceeding on schedule or as planned | ||||||||
complication | nounn | |||||||
noun • the act or process of complicating • a situation or condition that is complex or confused • any disease or disorder that occurs during the course of (or because of) another disease • a development that complicates a situation • puzzling complexity | ||||||||
downside | nounn | |||||||
noun • a negative aspect of something that is generally positive | ||||||||
drawback | nounn | |||||||
noun • the quality of being a hindrance | ||||||||
hindrance | nounn | |||||||
noun • something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress • any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome • the act of hindering or obstructing or impeding | ||||||||
hitch | verb, nounv, n | |||||||
noun • a period of time spent in military service • the state of inactivity following an interruption • an unforeseen obstacle • a connection between a vehicle and the load that it pulls • a knot that can be undone by pulling against the strain that holds it; a temporary knot • any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome • the uneven manner of walking that results from an injured leg verb • to hook or entangle • walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury • jump vertically, with legs stiff and back arched • travel by getting free rides from motorists • connect to a vehicle: | ||||||||
impediment | nounn | |||||||
noun • something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress • any structure that makes progress difficult | ||||||||
inconvenience | nounn | |||||||
noun • an inconvenient discomfort • a difficulty that causes anxiety • the quality of not being useful or convenient verb • to cause inconvenience or discomfort to | ||||||||
nuisance | nounn | |||||||
noun • (law) a broad legal concept including anything that disturbs the reasonable use of your property or endangers life and health or is offensive • something or someone that causes trouble; a source of unhappiness | ||||||||
obstacle | nounn | |||||||
noun • something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted • an obstruction that stands in the way (and must be removed or surmounted or circumvented) | ||||||||
obstruction | nounn | |||||||
noun • any structure that makes progress difficult • the physical condition of blocking or filling a passage with an obstruction • something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted • the act of obstructing • getting in someone's way | ||||||||
problem | nounn | |||||||
noun • a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved • a question raised for consideration or solution • a source of difficulty | ||||||||
snag | verb, nounv, n | |||||||
noun • a sharp protuberance • a dead tree that is still standing, usually in an undisturbed forest • an opening made forcibly as by pulling apart • an unforeseen obstacle verb • catch on a snag • get by acting quickly and smartly • hew jaggedly | ||||||||
trouble | nounn | |||||||
noun • a source of difficulty • an angry disturbance • an event causing distress or pain • an effort that is inconvenient • a strong feeling of anxiety • an unwanted pregnancy verb • move deeply • to cause inconvenience or discomfort to • disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried or alarmed • take the trouble to do something; concern oneself • cause bodily suffering to and make sick or indisposed | ||||||||
stumbling block | nounn | |||||||
noun • any obstacle or impediment |