thorn

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'thorn' is correct and perfectly usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a sharp point on a plant, or to refer to any kind of problem or difficulty. For example, you could say "The thorn in this situation is that we don't have enough resources to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was the thorn in everyone's side, the gleeful imp who was just there to cause trouble.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I want them to carry on being a thorn in the side of the Tories and Labour".

The Guardian

I was twice-forewarned as I crashed down through a thicket behind the hamlet's church: a beetle impaled on a long thorn; nearby, a bee, still buzzing frantically, had suffered the same fate.

The Guardian

Obama's efforts to dissuade sceptics in his own party from undermining the agreement were dealt an unexpected boost on Thursday, when Bob Menendez, a Democratic hawk and a thorn in the administration's side on Iran, was criminally indicted.

The Guardian

Torn apart during the fighting, Brčko then became a thorn in the peace: both the Bosniak/Croat and Serb contingents claimed it as their own.

The Guardian

Lefebvre and all four bishops were immediately excommunicated for participating in the illicit ordinations, but their movement has been a thorn in the Vatican's side ever since.

The Guardian

The Bolshoi will no doubt be delighted that the man who's been a thorn in their side for so long will now be fully occupied in St Petersburg.

The Guardian

In the words of Noresi, "filtering is like having a thorn in your leg, a thorn you have forgotten is there".

The Guardian - Tech

With Nigeria a thorn in its side, it was little small surprise that Shell was considering a 20% reduction of its Nigerian workforce, although cutting 1,000 jobs in a poor country could further strain the company's relations with the Nigerian government.

The Guardian - Business

It would be a rare Australian side that did not come up with at least one thorn for English flesh and here Middlesex's loss could certainly be Australia's gain.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He finally managed to get rid of one of the most truculent of those shareholders last month by acquiring the stake held by Liberty Media, a conglomerate run by his old friend, turned thorn-in-the-side, John Malone.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thorn" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the irritation or trouble. For example, "bureaucracy was a thorn in the company's side".

Common error

Avoid using "thorn" to describe minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations that cause significant and persistent trouble. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "thorn" is that of a noun. It refers either to a sharp, protective spine on a plant, or metaphorically to something that causes persistent irritation or trouble. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "thorn" functions primarily as a noun, denoting either a sharp projection on a plant or, metaphorically, something causing persistent trouble. Ludwig AI indicates its versatile application across diverse contexts. It's a common term, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains, where it serves to highlight persistent problems or sources of irritation. While grammatically straightforward, understanding its metaphorical use is key; it’s best reserved for significant, ongoing issues. Alternatives include "irritant", "nuisance", and "problem", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irritant

Focuses on the irritating quality of something.

nuisance

Highlights the bothersome nature of something.

problem

A general term for a difficulty or challenge.

obstacle

Emphasizes the hindering aspect of something.

drawback

Highlights a negative aspect or disadvantage.

impediment

Focuses on something that obstructs progress.

hitch

Implies a temporary or unexpected difficulty.

complication

Emphasizes the complex or intricate nature of a problem.

difficulty

A broad term indicating a state of hardship or trouble.

downside

Highlights the negative side of something.

FAQs

How can I use "thorn" in a sentence?

You can use "thorn" to describe something that causes persistent irritation or difficulty. For instance, "The constant delays were a "thorn" in the project's progress".

What can I say instead of "thorn"?

You can use alternatives like "irritant", "nuisance", or "problem" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say someone is "a thorn in my side"?

Yes, the idiom "a "thorn in my side"" is a common and correct way to describe someone who is a constant source of annoyance or trouble.

What's the difference between "thorn" and "challenge"?

"Thorn" implies a persistent source of irritation or difficulty, while "challenge" simply refers to something that requires effort and skill to overcome. A "thorn" is unwanted and bothersome, whereas a "challenge" can be seen as an opportunity for growth.