Thorn

A sharp, rigid outgrowth, such as a modified stem or spine, on a plant, typically serving a protective function. It can also be used metaphorically to represent a source of pain, difficulty, or annoyance. The physical 'thorn' acts as a defense mechanism against herbivores, while the metaphorical usage reflects emotional or psychological obstacles. Thorns are often associated with plants like roses and cacti, symbolizing both beauty and peril. The concept highlights the dual nature of things, where beauty or value can be accompanied by inherent risks or challenges.

Thorn meaning with examples

• The rose bush's thorny stems protected the delicate blooms from grazing animals. I cautiously pruned the rose bush, mindful of the sharp thorns. The gardener carefully removed any thorns that interfered with growth. The dog yelped after brushing against a patch of thorny blackberry bushes. She wore thick gloves to shield her hands from the rose's thorns while arranging the bouquet.
• His harsh words were a constant thorn in her side, causing emotional distress. The complex legal battle became a thorn in the company's side for years. The traffic jam was a major thorn in my commute this morning. His procrastination was a thorny issue they needed to confront. The criticism served as a constant thorn to his confidence.
• Navigating the political landscape proved to be a thorny challenge. The thorny issue of immigration divided the community. Their relationship faced a thorny path after the betrayal. Addressing the company's debts was a thorny matter to resolve. It was a thorny moral issue to debate during the town hall meeting.
• The cactus's sharp thorns deterred predators from approaching. Her love was a thorny issue and brought up feelings of inadequacy. The thorny vines grew over the old stone wall. The thorny nature of the problem was quite unexpected. He discovered the thorny situation and was worried.
• Despite the thorn of uncertainty, she pursued her dreams. The constant arguments were like a thorn in their marriage. The thorn-filled landscape required careful navigation. The thorny problems in the project delayed its completion. Her self doubt was a thorn that kept her down for years.