thorny

• Décrit quelque chose qui est difficile, problématique ou complexe à résoudre, ou qui est couvert d'épines au sens littéral.

Describes something that is difficult, problematic, or complicated to deal with.

1. Covered with sharp pointsB1formal

   Having or covered with sharp, pointed projections like thorns or spines.

   Couvert de piquants

   • The thorny bush scratched my arm as I walked past.
   • Be careful of the thorny stems when picking roses.
   • The hedgehog's thorny back protects it from predators.

   Synonymesbarbedbrierybristlyburrypricklyspikyspinosespinousspiny

   Antonymesbareglabroussmooth

2. Difficult or problematicB2formal

   Full of difficulties, complications, or controversial issues.

   difficile, épineux

   • The negotiations hit a thorny issue regarding budget cuts.
   • This is a thorny problem that requires careful consideration.
   • They discussed the thorny topic of immigration reform.

   Synonymesawkwarddelicatedifficultknottypricklyproblematicticklishtrickytroublesome

   Antonymeseasysimplestraightforwarduncomplicated