# thorn in someone's side

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/thorn-in-someones-side
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A persistent annoyance.

## Examples

- That noisy neighbor is a thorn in my side.
- The constant technical errors have become a real thorn in my side while I finish this report.
- Although the new policy was intended to improve efficiency, it became a persistent thorn in the side of the department, causing more frustration than progress.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.