肉中刺 (ròu zhōng) — thorn in one's flesh (figurative, a constant annoyance or trouble)
Definition
Set phrase (成语) for a persistent irritation or nuisance — literally 'a thorn in the flesh', more vivid and figurative than a plain word like 问题 or 麻烦.
noun
thorn in one's flesh (figurative, a constant annoyance or trouble)
Examples
- ，肉中刺。Nà ge tóng shì zǒng shì zhǎo má fan, zhēn shì gōng sī de ròu zhōng.That colleague always causes trouble — really a thorn in the company's side.
- ，肉中刺。Lín jū de gǒu měi tiān jiào ge bù tíng, chéng le wǒ men jiā de ròu zhōng.The neighbor's dog barks all day, becoming a thorn in our family's side.
- ，肉中刺。Zhè ge xiàng mù de wèn tí yì zhí jiě jué bù liǎo, chéng le tā de ròu zhōng.The problem with this project can't be solved, becoming a thorn in his side.
Appears in
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.