sore point, a

Idioms

A sensitive or annoying issue, as in Don't mention diets to Elsie; it's a sore point with her. This idiom was first recorded as a sore place in 1690.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Toledo's defense was a sore point a year ago and a concern this season too, especially after allowing 624 yards and a lot of big plays a week ago against Eastern Michigan.

From Seattle Times

In another sore point, a U.S. intelligence report to Congress in October said Russia's intelligence services "are conducting a range of activities to collect economic information and technology from U.S. targets."

From Reuters

Another sore point: a Funderburk aide suggested that faculty members granting interviews to the press report the "nature of such conversations" to the director of university relations.

From Time Magazine Archive

"If you 'll allow me, Captain Bramleigh," said the official, who was now touched to the quick on that sore point, a question of his department—"if you'll allow me, I think I can soon settle this matter."

From Project Gutenberg

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023