The idiomatic expression "a thorn in the flesh" describes a persistent source of irritation, annoyance, or difficulty. It refers to something or someone that continually causes problems or suffering. It is not intended to be taken literally; the phrase always refers to a figurative source of pain or trouble.
The phrase originates from the Bible, specifically 2 Corinthians 12:7, where the Apostle Paul uses it to describe a personal affliction. The exact nature of Paul's "thorn" is debated, but the meaning of the phrase has remained consistent.
The register is generally neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it can sound slightly elevated due to its biblical origin.
The phrase "a thorn in the flesh" is typically used as a noun phrase functioning as a subject complement or object. It can be modified with adjectives (e.g., "a constant thorn in the flesh") or used with possessive pronouns (e.g., "my thorn in the flesh"). It can also be used in the plural, "thorns in the flesh," to refer to multiple sources of irritation.
It would sound unnatural to use the phrase in a literal sense, referring to an actual physical thorn. Overly complex or unusual modifications can also sound awkward. For example, saying "the thorniest thorn in the flesh" is redundant and unnatural.
These examples are sourced from a thorn in the flesh on Ludwig.guru.
"I cannot be like a thorn in the flesh of someone else"." — The New Yorker
"From my early years, I have winced at a thorn in the flesh, and to this was also connected a consciousness of guilt and sin." — The New Yorker
""I said to him I would be a thorn in the flesh, and now that he's prime minister I look forward to working with him and I'll continue to be a thorn in the flesh as I advocate hopefully as the elected representative of the people of Canning"." — The Guardian
"For 13 years, from 1961 to 1974, Suzman was the sole representative in parliament of the liberal Progressive party, and her opposition to apartheid made her a thorn in the flesh of the National party government." — The Guardian
"It was a thorn in the flesh of the high and mighty, and set a standard for freedom of debate and expression, spontaneity and enjoyment that others have failed to emulate." — The Guardian
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/a+thorn+in+the+flesh
| Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| pain in the neck | More informal; focuses on annoyance and inconvenience. |
| source of irritation | More formal and neutral; emphasizes the cause of annoyance. |
| constant headache | Highlights the persistent and bothersome nature of the problem. |
| recurring problem | Focuses on the repetitive nature of the difficulty. |
| on someone's nerves | Describes the effect the problem has on a person's emotional state. |
| vexing issue | More formal and emphasizes the frustrating nature of the problem. |
| fly in the ointment | Refers to a small but irritating problem that spoils something. |
| Expression | Idiomatic Meaning | Register | Avoid In |
|---|---|---|---|
| a thorn in the flesh | A persistent source of annoyance, trouble, or pain | Neutral | Literal descriptions of physical injuries |
"A thorn in the flesh" is almost always used figuratively. It refers to a persistent source of irritation, annoyance, or trouble, not an actual physical thorn causing pain. While technically possible to use it literally, it would be highly unusual and likely confusing.
Both phrases describe something annoying, but "a thorn in the flesh" suggests a deeper, more persistent, and sometimes more significant problem. "A pain in the neck" is generally more informal and refers to something that is simply irritating or inconvenient, while the former carries a weightier connotation of prolonged suffering or trouble.
The phrase "a thorn in the flesh" is an idiom, meaning its figurative meaning is different from the literal meanings of the individual words. Interpreting it literally misses the intended meaning of a persistent source of trouble or annoyance, leading to miscommunication and a misunderstanding of the speaker's intent.
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