sore point, a

1. 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

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.

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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."

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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.

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"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."

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