stinging nettle

• 一种常见的野生植物，叶子上覆盖着细小绒毛，接触时会刺痛皮肤。该植物也用于民间医药和烹饪。

A common wild plant with leaves covered in fine hairs that cause a sharp, stinging sensation when touched. The plant is also used in herbal medicine and cooking.

1. A common plant with stinging hairsB1formal

   A herbaceous plant (Urtica dioica) covered with fine hairs that release an irritating chemical when touched, causing a stinging sensation.

   荨麻

   • Be careful not to brush against the stinging nettle in the garden.
   • He got a rash after accidentally touching a stinging nettle.
   • Stinging nettle is often used in herbal teas and soups.

2. A metaphor for a difficult or unpleasant situationB2informal

   Used figuratively to describe a problem or challenge that must be dealt with directly, often causing discomfort.

   刺人的荨麻（比喻义）

   • The budget cuts are a stinging nettle the company must grasp.
   • He decided to grasp the stinging nettle and confront his boss about the issue.
   • Addressing the conflict was a stinging nettle, but it had to be done.