1.[countableC]HBP a sharp point that grows on the stem of a plant such as a rose 〔玫瑰等植物茎上的〕刺
2[countableC, uncountableU]HBP a bush or tree that has thorns 带刺的灌木,荆棘
a long, low hedge of thorns
一长排矮矮的荆棘树篱
3a thorn in somebody’s sidePROBLEMsomeone or something that annoys you or causes problems for a long period of time 某人的肉中刺〔指长时间让你心烦或给你惹麻烦的人或事〕,使人苦恼[招来麻烦]的人[事]
He’s been a thorn in the side of the party leadership for years.
他多年来一直是该党领导人心头的一根刺。
Examples from the Corpus
a thorn in somebody’s side• The man has been a thorn in our side since the day he arrived three weeks ago.• Gino was a thorn in their side.