thorn/θɔːn/

n

1. C 刺；荆棘

• Roses will always have thorns but with care they can be avoided. 玫瑰都有刺，但人只要小心就不致于被扎。

2. C,U 【植】 有刺的植物；山楂树

• hawthorn 山楂

词组a thorn in sb.'s flesh (或side) 经常使人苦恼的事(或人)

• She's been a thorn in my side ever since she joined this department. 自从她加入了这个部门就总让我不得安生。

sit (或be) on thorns 如坐针毡