burr under one's saddle
Nagging minor problem
A burr under one's saddle is a source of persistent irritation or agitation.
The image is of a prickly seed caught beneath a horse's saddle, causing constant discomfort that makes the animal restless and hard to control.
Applied to people, it suggests someone who can't let something go: He's had a burr under his saddle about that zoning decision for months.
- pet peevePersonal source of irritation
- fly in the ointmentSmall flaw spoiling everything
- bugbearPersistent cause of anxiety
- bone of contentionDisputed matter between parties
- bone to pickComplaint requiring confrontation
disgruntlement · axe to grind · exasperation · irritation · rub the wrong way · bridle path · annoyance · sticking point · pain in the neck · vexation · wild hair · discontentment · agitation · chagrin · indignation · impatience · sore point · gripe