PhrasesHub

Thorn in the flesh

    Definitions

      • persistent annoyance or problem
        Refers to a person or thing that causes continual trouble or irritation

      • reminder of past mistakes or regrets
        Represents something that constantly brings up painful memories or regrets

    Examples of Thorn in the flesh

    • Despite his exceptional talents, the athlete's constant injuries have been a thorn in his flesh throughout his career. He has battled through the pain and setbacks to become one of the greatest in his sport.

      The phrase "a thorn in the flesh" is used to describe a persistent and frustrating problem or obstacle that causes discomfort or pain. In this example, the athlete's injuries have been a constant source of annoyance and difficulty, much like a thorn in his flesh. However, he has persevered and overcome the challenges, eventually becoming a successful and respected athlete.

    • The company's attempts to expand into new markets have been a thorn in the flesh for their competitors, who have been forced to adapt to the new competition. It has been a challenging time for the industry as a whole, but the company's success has also led to innovation and growth.

      In this example, the company's expansion into new markets is having a negative impact on their competitors, much like a thorn in their flesh. The competitors are experiencing discomfort and pain as they struggle to keep up with the successful company. However, the situation is also forcing the industry as a whole to adapt and evolve, leading to innovation and growth.

    • The writer's constant self-doubt has been a thorn in the flesh of their creativity, making it difficult for them to produce their best work. They have sought out guidance and support to help them overcome their doubts and tap into their true potential.

      In this example, the writer's self-doubt has been causing discomfort and pain, much like a thorn in their flesh. The doubts have been impacting their creativity and making it difficult for them to produce their best work. However, they have recognized the issue and taken steps to address it, seeking out guidance and support to help them overcome their doubts and improve their craft.

    • The teacher's rigorous evaluation process has been a thorn in the flesh of some of their students, who have struggled to meet the high standards. However, the students who have succeeded under the teacher's guidance have gone on to excel in their chosen fields.

      In this example, the teacher's high standards and rigorous evaluation process have been causing discomfort and pain, much like a thorn in the flesh for some of their students. These students have found the process challenging, but the students who have succeeded under the teacher's guidance have gone on to excel in their chosen fields. This illustrates how an obstacle or challenge can ultimately lead to success and growth.

    • Despite his many achievements, John's high-pressure job has become a real thorn in the flesh for him lately. He's been working around the clock and barely has time for himself or his family, leaving him feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

      The phrase "thorn in the flesh" is used to describe something that causes ongoing discomfort or frustration. In this example, John's job is a source of constant stress and pressure, much like a thorn embedded in the skin that continues to irritate and cause discomfort. This idiom can also be used to describe a personal trait or characteristic that causes discomfort or conflict for the individual, such as a reluctance to ask for help or a tendency towards perfectionism. Essentially, it is something that is difficult to remove or avoid, but must be dealt with over time.

    • Emily's obsession with work has become a thorn in the flesh for her relationships.

      This idiom is used to describe a persistent problem or burden that causes discomfort, annoyance, or distress. In this example, Emily's excessive work commitment is causing tension and suffering in her personal relationships, making it a thorn in the flesh for her.

    • The team's star player is out with an injury, and his absence has become a real thorn in the flesh for our chances of winning the match.

      Here, the idiom is used to suggest that the absence of the key player has created a major challenge and obstacle for the team's performance, making it a thorn in the flesh for their chances of winning.

    • Helen's constant criticism and negative attitude have turned into a thorn in the flesh for our team's morale.

      This idiom is employed to indicate that Helen's persistent criticism and pessimistic outlook is causing harm and discomfort to the team's confidence and spirit, making it a thorn in the flesh for their morale.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "thorn in the flesh" is used to describe a persistent annoyance or problem, whether it be a person or a situation. It can also refer to something that serves as a reminder of past mistakes or regrets, causing continual emotional pain. In both cases, it conveys the idea of something that is constantly causing discomfort or trouble.

    People often use this idiom to express their frustration with a particular person or situation that seems to never go away or improve. It can also be used to acknowledge the ongoing emotional pain caused by a past event or mistake. By using this idiom, individuals can convey the idea of a persistent source of annoyance or emotional distress in a concise and relatable way.

    Origin of "Thorn in the flesh"

    The idiom "thorn in the flesh" has its origins in the Bible, specifically in the New Testament. In the second letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul uses the phrase to describe a persistent problem or source of suffering. He mentions a "thorn in the flesh" that torments him, highlighting the idea of a constant and painful annoyance.

    The use of "thorn" as a metaphor for persistent trouble or discomfort dates back to ancient times, and it has been used in various cultures to convey the idea of enduring irritation. The specific phrase "thorn in the flesh" gained popularity through its biblical origin and has since become a common idiom in the English language, capturing the universal experience of dealing with ongoing challenges or emotional pain.