ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bone in the throat

idiom
Meaning

A source of continuing annoyance; a hindrance.


Examples
SIMPLE

That loud neighbor is a real bone in the throat.

CONTEXTUAL

The new tax policy has become a bone in the throat for small business owners who struggle to pay it.

COMPLEX

The unresolved border dispute remained a bone in the throat for both nations, preventing any meaningful progress toward a lasting peace treaty.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bone hard

    As hard as a bone, rock hard.

  2. 02

    bone in her teeth

    (of a boat or ship) A prominent bow wave (as a result of high speed).

  3. 03

    bone of contention

    Something that continues to be disputed; something on which no agreement can be reached.

  4. 04

    breed in the bone

    To establish or ingrain firmly within someone's nature.

  5. 05

    bring a lump to someone's throat

    To engender a strong emotional reaction.

  6. 06

    chill to the bone

    To make someone extremely cold, or to be extremely cold.

  7. 07

    force down someone's throat

    To shove something down someone's throat.

  8. 08

    frog in one's throat

    Hoarseness or the need to cough.

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