Conclusion
“A thorn in the/someone’s flesh/side” is a common English idiom used to describe something or someone that causes persistent annoyance, irritation, or difficulty. It is a figurative expression that refers to a physical thorn that is stuck in the flesh and causes discomfort.
Definitions
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “a thorn in one’s side” means “something or someone that causes persistent discomfort or annoyance.” The Cambridge dictionary defines it as “a person or thing that continually annoys or causes problems.”
Origin
The origin of this expression can be traced back to the Bible. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul used the phrase “a thorn in the flesh” to describe an affliction that he suffered from. The exact nature of this affliction is not known, but it is believed to have been a physical ailment that caused him great discomfort. The phrase has since been adapted to describe any persistent annoyance or difficulty.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of “a thorn in the/someone’s flesh/side” is consistent across different dictionaries. It is universally understood to mean something or someone that causes persistent annoyance or difficulty.
Associations
The expression “a thorn in the/someone’s flesh/side” is often associated with negative emotions such as frustration, irritation, and anger. It is also associated with persistence, as the annoyance or difficulty caused by the “thorn” is ongoing.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “a thorn in the/someone’s flesh/side” include:
- A pain in the neck/backside.
- A nuisance.
- A bother.
- An irritant.
- A pest.
- A troublemaker.
- A headache.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for “a thorn in the/someone’s flesh/side,” but some related expressions that convey the opposite meaning include:
- A breath of fresh air.
- A blessing.
- A pleasure.
- A delight.
- A relief.
The same root words
The root words of “a thorn in the/someone’s flesh/side” are “thorn” and “flesh.” A thorn is a sharp, pointed object that grows on some plants, and flesh refers to the soft tissue of the body.
Example Sentences
- My neighbor’s loud music is a thorn in my side.
- That difficult customer is a thorn in the company’s flesh.
- His constant complaining is a thorn in the teacher’s flesh.
- The broken air conditioner is a thorn in our side during the summer months.
“A thorn in the/someone’s flesh/side” is a widely used expression that describes something or someone that causes persistent annoyance or difficulty. Its origins can be traced back to the Bible, but it has since been adapted to describe any ongoing annoyance or difficulty. The expression is associated with negative emotions such as frustration and irritation and has several synonyms that convey a similar meaning.