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pebble in one's shoe

idiom
Meaning

A small and bothersome issue that may worsen over time.


Examples
SIMPLE

That small error is a pebble in my shoe.

CONTEXTUAL

The constant noise from the hallway is a pebble in my shoe that makes it hard to focus on work.

COMPLEX

Although the project was largely a success, the unresolved budget discrepancy remained a persistent pebble in his shoe, threatening to undermine the entire endeavor.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

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