crown of thorns

• 指用荆棘编成的冠冕，据《圣经》记载在耶稣受难前被戴在其头上；常用来比喻痛苦的重担、苦难或艰难的处境。

A phrase referring to a woven crown of thorns placed on Jesus Christ's head before his crucifixion, often used metaphorically to describe a painful burden, suffering, or a difficult situation.

1. Biblical artifactB2formal

   A woven crown of thorn branches placed on Jesus Christ's head before his crucifixion, symbolizing suffering and mockery.

   荆棘冠冕

   • The soldiers placed a crown of thorns on his head.
   • The crown of thorns is a powerful symbol of sacrifice.
   • Many churches display a replica of the crown of thorns.

2. Symbol of sufferingC1formal

   Used metaphorically to describe a situation or burden that causes great pain or difficulty.

   荆棘冠冕

   • His illness became a crown of thorns for the family.
   • The failing project was a crown of thorns for the manager.
   • She bore her crown of thorns with quiet dignity.

3. Marine animalC1formal

   A large, venomous starfish (Acanthaster planci) covered in sharp spines, found in coral reefs.

   海洋动物

   • The crown of thorns starfish is destroying the Great Barrier Reef.
   • Divers are removing crown of thorns to protect the coral.
   • An outbreak of crown of thorns can devastate an entire reef ecosystem.