# thorn in the flesh

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/thorn-in-the-flesh
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- That noisy neighbor is a constant thorn in the flesh.
- The broken printer has been a thorn in the flesh for the entire office staff this week.
- The persistent legal dispute remained a thorn in the flesh for the company, hindering their progress and draining their resources for several years.

## Origin

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

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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.