thorn in the flesh en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- (Australia) audio
Etymology
With reference to the Bible 2nd Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 12, verse 7. 2 Corinthians 12.7
Meanings
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(idiomatic) A persistent difficulty or something very annoying that will not go away.
Whereas the growth of new middle and upper classes remains a thorn in the flesh to the Communist Party, the military element is inclined to favor this development, in the belief that those who have something at stake are more likely to fight to defend the system in the event of another conflict.
1959, Ivar Spector, The Soviet Union and the Muslim World, 1917-1958:Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the post of the Executive Director of the Kenya Roads Board has been a thorn in the flesh of the Minister.
2001 June 13, Kenya National Assembly Official Record (Hansard), page 1106:Even individual castles could be a thorn in the flesh of a powerful kingdom.
2002, J. F. Verbruggen, The Art of Warfare in Western Europe, page 323:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| thorns in the flesh | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Synonyms
Translations (7)
de Stachel im Fleisch (persistent difficulty) · fr épine au pied (persistent difficulty) · pl sól w oku (persistent difficulty) · fi piikki lihassa (persistent difficulty) · ms duri dalam daging (persistent difficulty) · id duri dalam daging (persistent difficulty) · ru бельмо́ на глазу́ (persistent difficulty)