thorn (redirected from thorn bush)

*thorn in someone's side and *thorn in someone's flesh

Fig. a constant bother or annoyance to someone. (*Typically: be ~; become ~.) This problem is a thorn in my side. I wish I had a solution for it. John was a thorn in my flesh for years before I finally got rid of him.

See also: side

There's no rose without a thorn.

Prov. to enjoy any beautiful or pleasant thing, you must endure something difficult or painful. Mike: My bride is lovely and gracious, but I'm discovering that she has a terrible temper. Bill: There's no rose without a thorn.

See also: rose, without

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be a thorn in somebody's flesh/side

someone or something that keeps annoying you or causing you trouble A relentless campaigner, he was a thorn in the government's side for years.

See also: flesh

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a thorn in somebody's/something's side also a thorn in the side of somebody/something

someone or something that continually causes problems Most teachers usually have one student in their class who is a thorn in their side. The town finds the casino a thorn in its side, even though it brings huge numbers of tourists to the town. Health inspectors are a thorn in the side of most restaurant owners.

See also: side