thorn in the flesh/one’s side, a
Thorn in the flesh/one’s side - A source of constant irritation. This piercing phrase appears in several books of the Bible; in the Book of Judges (2:3), it refers to enemies who “shall be as thorns in your sides,” and in the New Testament, Paul refers to his infirmities as “given to me a thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7). The term remains as sharp as ever and is used to describe anything or anyone that irritates persistently.
Related and Similar Terms:
- Pain in the neck/butt - Another anatomical irritation, though less biblical.
- Bane of my existence - That one thing causing you endless trouble.
- Needling - Annoying someone repeatedly.
- Nagging pressure - Continual mental or emotional irritation.
Synonyms:
- Annoyance
- Nuisance
- Irritant
- Vexation
Antonyms:
- Relief
- Comfort
- Joy
- Pleasure
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “Some people are like clouds. When they disappear, it’s a beautiful day.”
- “Is your drama going to have an intermission soon? I need a break from the irritation.”
Proverbs:
- “A penny for your thoughts, a dollar if you can stop being a thorn.”
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Book: Catch-22 by Joseph Heller - A masterclass in figuratively thorny situations.
- Song: “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon - A tune about someone who’s clearly a thorn in someone’s side.
- Movie: Office Space - An ode to those ubiquitous workplace irritations.
- Poem: Ode to a Spatula by Madeline Theas (fictional) - A satire of mundane irks.
Quizzes
### Which term is synonymous with "thorn in one's side"?
- [ ] Happy camper
- [x] Pain in the neck
- [ ] Bed of roses
- [ ] Slice of heaven
> **Explanation:** "Pain in the neck" is a synonymous term referring to someone or something that causes constant irritation.
### True or False: "Thorn in one's side" has origins in the Bible.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** This idiom indeed has biblical origins, referencing thorny adversaries and persistent infirmities.
### Which of these best describes an antonym of "thorn in one's side"?
- [ ] Vexation
- [x] Comfort
- [ ] Irritant
- [ ] Annoyance
> **Explanation:** "Comfort" is an antonym, indicating ease rather than irritation.
### Identify the idiom:
A colleague who always takes credit for your work could be considered:
- [ ] A blessing in the workplace
- [x] A thorn in your side
- [ ] The light of your life
- [ ] A beam of sunshine
> **Explanation:** The colleague is a "thorn in your side," constantly irritating by taking credit for your work.
### True or False: "Thorn in one's side" can denote both people and situations causing irritation.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** This idiom can indeed apply to both individuals and scenarios that are persistently annoying.
### Which phrase means a similar annoyance?
- [x] Bane of my existence
- [ ] Garden of tranquility
- [ ] Beacon of hope
- [ ] Fortress of solitude
> **Explanation:** "Bane of my existence" concurs with a consistent source of annoyance or irritation.
Write beautifully, speak eloquently, and beware of the thorns that try to poke at your peace as you traverse life’s garden.
Lexi Thornwhistle
📚🌿 2023-10-01
