a rift in the lute

a rift in the lute

A small problem or flaw in something that jeopardizes the whole. I hope this bit of rust isn't a rift in the lute and doesn't end up damaging the whole paint job.
See also: rift
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • rift
  • the whole lot
  • whole heap more
  • a whole heap
  • a whole bunch
  • with (one's) whole heart
  • with all your heart/your whole heart
  • a whole lot
  • a whole lot of (something)
  • whole hog, the/to go