A "fly in the ointment" is an inconvenient fact which can ruin or taint an otherwise positive situation; like finding half a worm in the apple you are eating. Think of your dismay at discovering that the wonderful philanthropic projects of a local businessman were funded by deceit and illegal financial dealings on his part. The "fly in the ointment" would be the source of the money; should you refuse it and send it back?
Think of the respected and powerful preacher whose ministry is ruined when he is exposed as a marital cheater. The "fly in the ointment" is the sexual infidelity.
"
Dead flies cause the
ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: [so doth] a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom [and] honour."
Ecclesiastes 10:1
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