SuGoiSuす語彙すGrammar › N2 · 03 Reasons and causes
〜ばかりに: just because; simply on account of
N2 · 03 Reasons and causes
Says that one small reason caused an unwanted or regrettable result.
Plain form + ばかりに (na-adjectives and nouns: 〜なばかりに / 〜だったばかりに). The result is bad and often followed by regret. Not used for good results. Compare 〜せいで: ばかりに feels stronger and more regretful.
Examples
嘘をついたばかりに、友達の信用を失ってしまった。
Just because I told a lie, I lost my friend's trust.
一言多かったばかりに、彼女を怒らせてしまった。
Just because I said one word too many, I made her angry.