be a thorny problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a thorny problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that is complicated, difficult, or troublesome to resolve. Example: "The decision to cut funding for the project has turned out to be a thorny problem for the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the other hand, the NMOS side is shown to be a thornier problem to solve: a new solution based on the use of oxidized Ta as a diffusion barrier is proposed, and a HfO2/TiN/TaOX/TiAl/TiN/TiN gate stack featuring an aggressive Work Function of 4.35 eV (allowing a Work Function separation of 600 mV between NMOS and PMOS) is demonstrated.

Solid-State Electronics

Solving planetary ozone levels is a thorny problem.

Yale University

How to obtain the analytic solution of uncertain differential equation has always been a thorny problem.

Applied Mathematics and Computation

One of the biggest obstacles — lack of price transparency — is a thorny problem.

Harvard University

Medicare is a thorny problem; Social Security, by comparison, is a cinch.

The New York Times

It's a thorny problem: how do you map something you cannot see?

The Guardian

The registration process has been a thorny problem at this camp.

The New York Times

Fatigue damages in orthotropic steel deck have been a thorny problem that perplexed bridge engineers worldwide for decades.

Engineering Structures

This is a thorny problem, as complicity in torture is considered such a serious crime, in international law, that immunity is not generally possible.

The Guardian

Here's a thorny problem: to develop an objective way to rank countries according to the quality of life they offer their citizens.

MIT Technology Review

How to deal with the diagnosis and treatment of concussions has always been a thorny problem for the International Rugby Board, the sport's world governing body, and the board will discuss strengthening the rules surrounding concussions this week.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be a thorny problem" to describe situations where multiple factors complicate finding a solution. The metaphor of 'thorns' suggests that the issue is not only difficult but also potentially painful or irritating to deal with.

Common error

Avoid using "be a thorny problem" in contexts where the difficulty is straightforward or easily explained. The phrase implies a deeper, more intricate level of complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a thorny problem" functions as a predicative expression. It identifies a subject as being a difficult and complex issue. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be a thorny problem" is a grammatically correct and widely understood way to describe a complex and difficult issue. As Ludwig confirms, it's used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it may not be the most frequent expression, its metaphorical use of 'thorns' effectively conveys the idea that the problem is not only challenging but also potentially irritating or painful to resolve. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context genuinely reflects a situation with multiple complicating factors, as overuse in simple situations could diminish its impact. More common alternatives include "be a difficult issue" or "be a complex challenge".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be a difficult issue

Replaces 'thorny' with a more general term for difficulty.

be a complex challenge

Substitutes 'problem' with 'challenge' and 'thorny' with 'complex', softening the negative connotation.

pose a significant difficulty

Changes the structure to emphasize the act of creating a difficulty.

present a tough challenge

Uses 'tough' instead of 'thorny', maintaining a similar level of intensity.

be a knotty issue

Replaces 'thorny' with 'knotty', another metaphor for complexity and difficulty.

be a vexing question

Shifts the focus to a question that causes irritation or difficulty.

be a problematic situation

Replaces 'thorny problem' with a more descriptive phrase.

be a complicated matter

Uses a more neutral term ('matter') to describe the problem.

involve considerable difficulties

Focuses on the difficulties involved rather than describing the issue itself.

be a source of contention

Highlights the disagreement and debate associated with the issue.

FAQs

What does "be a thorny problem" mean?

The phrase "be a thorny problem" describes a situation or issue that is complex, difficult, and potentially troublesome to resolve. The 'thorny' aspect suggests that dealing with the problem might be irritating or painful.

What are some alternatives to "be a thorny problem"?

You can use alternatives like "be a difficult issue", "be a complex challenge", or "present a tough challenge" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "be a thorny problem"?

The phrase "be a thorny problem" is suitable for a range of contexts, from news and media to academic discussions. It is generally considered appropriate for neutral to slightly formal settings.

Is it correct to say "is a thorny problem" or "is a thorn problem"?

The correct and idiomatic expression is "is a thorny problem". "Is a thorn problem" is not a recognized or meaningful phrase.