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What's the meaning of the phrase 'A thorn in the flesh'?

A persistent difficulty or annoyance.

What's the origin of the phrase 'A thorn in the flesh'?

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.

Gary Martin

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