| 释义 |
thorny
\ˈthȯrnē, -ȯ(ə)n-, -ni\ adjective
(-er/-est)
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English thornig, from thorn (I) + -ig -y
1. : full of thorns or spines or thornbushes : rough or thick with thorns : spiny, brambly
< a thorny bush >
< thorny ground >
2.
a. : beset with trials, vexations, obstacles, or other difficulties
< the steep and thorny way to heaven — Shakespeare >
b. : sharp as a thorn : keenly distressing : stabbing
< thorny cares >
c. : as difficult to handle as a thorny branch or a thornbush : bristling with perplexities, points of controversy, or other conflicting elements
< the thorny question of states' rights > |