sore (redirected from standing out like a sore thumb)

*sore (at someone)

Fig. angry at someone. (*Typically: be ~; get ~; make someone ~.) When Mary hears what you said about her, she'll get sore for sure. Please don't get sore at me.

sight for sore eyes

Fig. a welcome sight. Oh, am I glad to see you here! You're a sight for sore eyes. I'm sure hungry. This meal is a sight for sore eyes.

See also: eye, sight

stick out like a sore thumb

Fig. to be very obvious. That pimple really sticks out like a sore thumb. Do you think I would stick out like a sore thumb at the party if I wear this coat?

See also: like, out, stick, thumb

touch a sore spot and touch a sore point

Fig. to refer to a sensitive matter that will upset someone. (Fig. on the notion of touching an injury and causing pain.) I seem to have touched a sore spot. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. When you talk to him, avoid talking about money. It's best not to touch a sore point if possible.

See also: spot, touch

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a sore point/spot

a subject which someone would prefer not to talk about because it makes them angry or embarrassed (often + with ) I tried not to make any reference to Mike's drinking habits - I know it's a sore point with Kay at the moment.

See also: point

be a sight for sore eyes  (informal)

if someone or something is a sight for sore eyes, you feel happy to see them A cup of coffee - that's a sight for sore eyes. You're a sight for sore eyes, all dressed up in your new outfit.

See also: eye, sight

be like a bear with a sore head  (British & Australian humorous)

to be in a bad mood which causes you to treat other people badly and complain a lot If his newspaper doesn't arrive by breakfast time he's like a bear with a sore head.

See bring to bear, bear the brunt of

See also: bear, head, like

stand/stick out like a sore thumb

if someone or something sticks out like a sore thumb, everyone notices them because they are very different from the other people or things around them Everyone else was in jeans and casual gear and I had my office clothes on - I stuck out like a sore thumb.

See also: like, out, stand, thumb

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a sight for sore eyes

something you are happy to see The many taxis in the city are a sight for sore eyes when it's raining.

See also: eye, sight

stick out like a sore thumb also stand out like a sore thumb

to be easily noticed as different Ted wore old jeans to the party, and he stuck out like a sore thumb among all the well-dressed guests.

See also: like, out, stick, thumb