thorn in the flesh
Nagging chronic problem
A thorn in the flesh is a persistent source of irritation or difficulty that cannot easily be removed.
The phrase comes from the Bible, where Paul describes an unspecified affliction.
It suggests something embedded and ongoing rather than a passing annoyance: His mother-in-law was a thorn in his flesh for thirty years.
Also *thorn in the side*.
- nuisanceCause of aggravation
- stingSharp wound from insect
- irritantSource of vexation
- painBodily or emotional distress
- weaknessDeficiency in force
needle · flaw · fault · spiritual struggle · poke · hindrance · burden · cross to bear · sin · humbling · pest · prophetic visions · annoyance · bother · scratch · problem · hassle · temptation
thorn, thorns, thorny, thorniness, flesh, fleshy, fleshly, fleshiness, fleshed