bone in the throat
A source of continuing annoyance; a hindrance.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“That loud neighbor is a real bone in the throat.”
“The new tax policy has become a bone in the throat for small business owners who struggle to pay it.”
“The unresolved border dispute remained a bone in the throat for both nations, preventing any meaningful progress toward a lasting peace treaty.”
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bone hard
As hard as a bone, rock hard.
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bone in her teeth
(of a boat or ship) A prominent bow wave (as a result of high speed).
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bone of contention
Something that continues to be disputed; something on which no agreement can be reached.
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breed in the bone
To establish or ingrain firmly within someone's nature.
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bring a lump to someone's throat
To engender a strong emotional reaction.
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chill to the bone
To make someone extremely cold, or to be extremely cold.
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force down someone's throat
To shove something down someone's throat.
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frog in one's throat
Hoarseness or the need to cough.
Last updated August 10, 2026