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.
1. mod. alcohol or drug intoxicated. I can’t keep getting riffed every night like this.
2. and riftmod. fired; released from employment. (From rif, “reduction in force.” A dismissal not for cause, but simply to reduce the number of workers.) Most of the sales force was rift last week.