Thorn in the flesh Meaning in English
expression
Definition
A person, problem, or thing that consistently causes trouble or annoyance.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiomatic and somewhat formal/neutral expression. It often describes ongoing, hard-to-ignore annoyances—sometimes a person ('He is a thorn in the flesh') or a persistent problem. Can be replaced with 'thorn in the side'; less informal than slang options like 'pain in the neck'.
Example Sentences
The broken printer was a thorn in the flesh for the whole office.
basic
For years, noisy neighbors were a thorn in the flesh to Sarah.
basic
This error is a thorn in the flesh of the software team.
basic
Ever since Tom joined, he’s been a real thorn in the flesh with his endless complaints.
natural
That outdated rule has become a thorn in the flesh for everyone trying to improve the process.
natural
I try to ignore it, but that little bug in the app is still a daily thorn in the flesh.
natural