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The meaning and origin of the expression: A thorn in the flesh

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A thorn in the flesh

Meaning

A persistent difficulty or annoyance.

Origin

From the Bible, 2 Corinthians 12:7 (King James Version):

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.