thorny issue
Difficult controversial matter
A thorny issue is a problem that's difficult to resolve without causing conflict or discomfort—like trying to grasp something covered in thorns.
The phrase implies that any approach risks pain: Immigration remains a thorny issue for both parties.
Related forms include thorny question, thorny problem, and thorny subject.
- stickyApt to adhere
- sticky wicketProblematic or awkward circumstance
- pricklySpiny or irritable
- contentiousInclined toward disagreement
- hot potatoRisky topic avoided
delicate · sensitive · sore point · minefield · third rail · controversy · debate · awkward · bristling · barbed · spiny · difficult · knotty · tricky · can of worms · heated · divisive · political football
- hardshipshardship, adversity, struggle, misfortune, difficulties
- farm idiomsmake hay while the sun shines, cream of the crop, put the cart before the horse, till the cows come home, buy the farm
- predicamentspredicament, dilemma, bind, pickle, pinch
- Weather Idiomsunder the weather, when it rains it pours, come rain or shine, rain check, take a rain check
complexity and difficulty
thorny issueno-brainer
Self-evident decision
slam dunk · easy fix · plain sailing · walk in the park · piece of cake
thorn, thorns, thorny, thornier, thorniest, thorniness, issue, issues, issued