a thorn in the/someone's flesh/side
idiom
: a person or thing that repeatedly annoys someone or something or causes problems
He's been a thorn in my side for years.
a thorn in the side of the industry
Examples of a thorn in the/someone's flesh/side in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Basic governance structure was a major sticking point during the Biden administration, and a primary reason Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler was a thorn in the side of the crypto industry.
—
Kevin Williams, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2025
Johnson’s game plan runs counter to the wishes of the Freedom Caucus, which has a track record of being a thorn in the side of leadership and revolting against top lawmakers — at times grinding the House to a halt — when their preferences are not prioritized.
—Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025
Khan has also been a thorn in the side of PBMs that have come under scrutiny for reportedly helping to keep certain prescription drug prices high, including those of insulin products.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Chaos has convulsed the heart of the European Union whose sanctions and military support for Kyiv have proven to be a thorn in the side of Putin's intentions.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for a thorn in the/someone's flesh/side 
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Kevin Williams, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2025
Johnson’s game plan runs counter to the wishes of the Freedom Caucus, which has a track record of being a thorn in the side of leadership and revolting against top lawmakers — at times grinding the House to a halt — when their preferences are not prioritized.
—Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025
Khan has also been a thorn in the side of PBMs that have come under scrutiny for reportedly helping to keep certain prescription drug prices high, including those of insulin products.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Chaos has convulsed the heart of the European Union whose sanctions and military support for Kyiv have proven to be a thorn in the side of Putin's intentions.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for a thorn in the/someone's flesh/side
Dictionary Entries Near a thorn in the/someone's flesh/side
Cite this Entry
“A thorn in the/someone's flesh/side.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20thorn%20in%20the%2Fsomeone%27s%20flesh%2Fside. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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