a burr in/under the saddle

noun phrase

US, informal
: someone or something that is a constant cause of trouble or annoyance
He was a burr in the saddle of the competition.
She's been a burr under their saddle for many years.

Dictionary Entries Near a burr in/under the saddle

ab urbe condita

a burr in/under the saddle

aburst

Cite this Entry

“A burr in/under the saddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20burr%20in%2Funder%20the%20saddle. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!