肉中刺

ròuzhōngcì

phrase #30,094

Meanings

1 a thorn in one's flesh
2 a constant source of irritation
3 a pain in the side

Characters

in; within; middle

thorn; spine; to stab; to prick

Examples

这个竞争对手是他的肉中刺，让他寝食难安。

Zhège jìngzhēng duìshǒu shì tā de ròuzhōngcì, ràng tā qǐnshí nán'ān.

This rival is a thorn in his flesh, giving him no peace day or night.

腐败分子是社会的眼中钉、肉中刺。

Fǔbài fènzǐ shì shèhuì de yǎnzhōngdīng, ròuzhōngcì.

Corrupt elements are a thorn in the eye and flesh of society.

Tips

usage

肉中刺 is often paired with 眼中钉 (a nail in the eye) to form the set phrase 眼中钉、肉中刺, meaning someone or something that is deeply hated and cannot be tolerated. Together they describe an intense, inescapable irritation.

Stroke Order

肉 ròu

中 zhōng

刺 cì