thorn

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Manchester City have been a thorn in Arsenal's side in their quest for silverware.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

The data highlights that inflation remains a thorn in the side of the RBA, and that an increase in interest rates at the start of February is highly likely to be repeated in coming months.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

The move came days after Gail Slater, the Justice Department’s antitrust chief, was bounced from her job, reportedly after becoming a thorn in the side of some business interests.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

Before becoming premier Takaichi was a regular at the Yasukuni shrine, a flashpoint site honouring Japan's war dead that has long been a thorn in regional ties.

From Barron's • Feb. 5, 2026

I was like a dog that would go fetch Ms. W.’s stick, even if it was in a snake’s hole under a thorn bush that had just been sprayed by a skunk.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan