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Question

Difficulty: HardIdioms and Idiomatic Expressions

Which word correctly completes the idiomatic expression in the sentence below?

Answer:Although the merger appeared lucrative for both financial institutions, the unexpected regulatory fine proved to be the fly in the 【ointment】.

Answer

The word that correctly completes the idiomatic expression is 'ointment'.
The idiomatic expression 'a fly in the ointment' refers to a single small flaw, drawback, or unpleasant detail that ruins the enjoyment or success of something that would otherwise be perfect. In the given context, the sudden regulatory fine is the single drawback spoiling the profitable merger deal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and identify the partial idiomatic expression
The sentence presents a situation where an otherwise lucrative business merger is spoiled by an unexpected fine, matching the phrase 'fly in the...'.
Understanding the context clarifies the figurative meaning required: a small drawback that ruins an otherwise good outcome.
2
Recall the exact fixed wording of the traditional idiom
The correct fixed expression is 'a fly in the ointment'.
Idiomatic expressions have fixed structures and specific lexical components that cannot be arbitrarily substituted with literal terms like 'soup' or 'drink'.

Key Concept

Idioms and Fixed Idiomatic Expressions
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Topics

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions

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