thorn in my side

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   A person or thing that keeps causing annoyance, trouble or difficulty over a long period.

   Grammar: Fixed idiom with a changeable pronoun: a thorn in my side, a thorn in her side.

   Patterns

   • be a thorn in someone's side

   That noisy neighbor has been a thorn in my side for years.

   The unpaid tax bill is a thorn in my side that will not go away.

   His constant criticism was a thorn in my side throughout the project.

2. 2phraseidiom

   A persistent opponent or rival who keeps causing problems for a stronger party.

   Grammar: Often used for rivals or protest groups.

   Patterns

   • remain a thorn in someone's side

   The small rival firm remained a thorn in my side during the whole campaign.

   The protest group became a thorn in my side as mayor.

   Their blog was a thorn in my side, exposing every mistake.

Common combinations

a constant thorn in my side

The broken heater is a constant thorn in my side.

be a thorn in my side

Parking fines are a thorn in my side.

remain a thorn in my side

The issue will remain a thorn in my side.

a thorn in my side for years

This landlord has been a thorn in my side for years.

Synonyms and how they differ

nuisance

A nuisance is a general annoyance, but a thorn in my side suggests a lasting, painful problem.

pain in the neck

Pain in the neck is more informal and humorous, with the same irritation.

bugbear

A bugbear is a recurring worry or dislike, a little less hostile than a thorn.

burden

A burden is heavy weight to carry, while a thorn is a sharp ongoing irritation.

Opposites

Word family

thorn noun

a sharp point on a plant

thorny adjective

full of difficulty, as in a thorny issue

side noun

one part or edge of something

Commonly confused: thorn in my side or thorn in the flesh?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “thorn in my side”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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