a thorn in the/someone's flesh/side
idiom
: a person or thing that repeatedly annoys someone or something or causes problems
He's been a thorn in my side for years.
a thorn in the side of the industry
Examples of a thorn in the/someone's flesh/side in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Freedom Caucus was once a thorn in the side of Trump early in his first term, when members opposed an ObamaCare replacement bill the president pushed for.
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Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2025
Houston slugger Yordan Alvarez was a thorn in the side of Royals starter Kris Bubic, with two hits, including a three-run homer.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025
Yet, that $250,000 could well be enough to become more than just a thorn in the side of the ransomware industry if Halcyon has anything to do with.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Councilor Ed Flynn – a thorn in the side of the Wu administration – is being canceled by the progressives running the city.
—Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a thorn in the/someone's flesh/side
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Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2025
Houston slugger Yordan Alvarez was a thorn in the side of Royals starter Kris Bubic, with two hits, including a three-run homer.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025
Yet, that $250,000 could well be enough to become more than just a thorn in the side of the ransomware industry if Halcyon has anything to do with.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Councilor Ed Flynn – a thorn in the side of the Wu administration – is being canceled by the progressives running the city.
—Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a thorn in the/someone's flesh/side
Cite this Entry
“A thorn in the/someone's flesh/side.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20thorn%20in%20the%2Fsomeone%27s%20flesh%2Fside. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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