festering wounds
Infected, worsening cuts
Festering wounds are injuries that have become infected and are worsening rather than healing—swollen, oozing pus, possibly gangrenous.
The phrase extends figuratively to problems left unaddressed that grow worse over time: The festering wounds of colonialism still shape the region's politics.
A single such injury is a festering wound.
- infectionPathogen invasion causing illness
- skin infectionDisease affecting outer tissue
- pusInfected tissue fluid
- abscessLocalized pus collection
- blood poisoningInfection spreading through bloodstream
gangrenous · rotting · septic · ulcer · open sore · necrosis · sore · suppurating · inflamed · oozing · decay · scab · bandage · maggots · putrid · swollen · tender · raw
metaphorical condition
festering woundsclosure
Sense of emotional resolution
reconciliation · forgiveness · fresh starts · clean slates · peace of mind