ENGLISH
REFERENCE

thorn in the flesh

idiom
Meaning

A persistent difficulty or something very annoying that will not go away.


Origin

disputed origin

With reference to the Bible 2nd Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 12, verse 7. 2 Corinthians 12.7

Examples
SIMPLE

That noisy neighbor is a constant thorn in the flesh.

CONTEXTUAL

The broken printer has been a thorn in the flesh for the entire office staff this week.

COMPLEX

The persistent legal dispute remained a thorn in the flesh for the company, hindering their progress and draining their resources for several years.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    become one flesh

    To join together in marriage; to develop a unifying bond as a result of marrying.

  2. 02

    exchange flesh

    To engage in sexual intercourse.

  3. 03

    flesh one's maiden sword

    To experience or succeed in combat or struggle for the first time, as in the military or in politics.

  4. 04

    flesh out

    To complete; to create details from a basic outline, structure, or skeleton.

  5. 05

    neither fish, flesh, nor good red herring

    Synonym of neither fish nor fowl (“not easily categorized; not rightly belonging or fitting well in a given group or situation; also, not having the advantages of the various options”).

  6. 06

    one flesh

    Two people united by marriage.

  7. 07

    pound of flesh

    Something which is owed and which will be hurtful or difficult to provide; a debt owed to someone who is merciless and demanding.

  8. 08

    press the flesh

    To shake hands and socialize, especially in a political gathering.

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