stick/stand out like a sore thumb

phrase

informal

: to be very noticeable in usually a bad way

Examples of stick/stand out like a sore thumb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Below, designers reveal other trends that may have once been considered daring and timely but now stick out like a sore thumb. — Lacey Ramburger, The Spruce, 19 Feb. 2026

But these chunky plastic devices tend to be ugly and stand out like a sore thumb. — Simon Hill, Wired News, 12 Dec. 2025

People who live in the home and have grown used to the set-up of a room may not notice these aspects, but a designer’s keen eyes can’t help but have tunnel-vision towards these things that either make a room special or stand out like a sore thumb. — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 14 June 2025

Though small, a white light switch cover can stick out like a sore thumb on a dark or patterned wall. — Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2025

After all, if the rest of your bedroom is an exercise in luxury, then function-first curtains might stick out like a sore thumb. — Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 11 Apr. 2025

On the other hand, the playoff losses to the San Francisco 49ers sting and the postseason blowout to the Green Bay Packers stick out like a sore thumb. — Saad Yousuf, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025

There were no trees suitable for any kind of tree stand, or any spots where a blind wouldn’t stick out like a sore thumb. — Beka Garris, Outdoor Life, 20 Sep. 2021