thorn in flesh
Ongoing source frustration
A thorn in the flesh is a persistent source of irritation or trouble that can't easily be removed.
The phrase comes from the Bible, where Paul describes an unspecified affliction.
It typically refers to ongoing annoyances rather than acute problems: My commute is a thorn in my flesh.
Also appears as thorn in one's side.
- irritantSource of vexation
- nuisanceCause of aggravation
- annoyanceState of being bothered
- pet peevePersonal source of irritation
- splinterThin sharp fragment
pain · sharp pain · nagging pain · dull ache · bother · burden · cross to bear · aggravation · pest · torment · nagging · persistent · wound · open wound · sore spot · festering · sharp · piercing
- Biblical imageryLamb of God, Good Shepherd, bread of life, light of the world, living water
- Apostle PaulPaul, Saul, Romans, Galatians, Corinthians
- Pauline theologyPaul, Romans, faith alone, Galatians, justification
- CorinthiansPaul, Corinth, First Corinthians, Second Corinthians, Chloe
problem severity
thorn in fleshbed of roses
State of luxurious ease
non-issue · smooth sailing · easy street · walk in the park · plain sailing
thorn, thorns, thorny, thorniness, flesh, fleshy, fleshly, fleshiness, fleshed