thorny branches
Spined woody growth
Thorny branches are stems or limbs bearing sharp, pointed projections—the prickly growth of roses, hawthorns, blackberries, or brambles.
The phrase often evokes difficulty or obstruction: They pushed through the thorny branches to reach the clearing.
In religious contexts, thorny branches recall the crown of thorns placed on Christ's head.
- bramblesThorny wild shrubs
- briar patchThorny shrub thicket
- spinesStiff, pointed projections
- pricklesSmall sharp plant projections
- barbsSharp points or jibes
barbed wire · thorny · defense · danger · nesting site · wildness · crown of thorns · habitat · wild roses · impenetrable · hedge maze · flowering shrub · natural barriers · stems · twigs · resilience · basket weaving · protection