a burr in/under the saddle

noun phrase

US, informal
: someone or something that is a constant cause of trouble or annoyance
He was a burr in the saddle of the competition.
She's been a burr under their saddle for many years.

Dictionary Entries Near a burr in/under the saddle

ab urbe condita

a burr in/under the saddle

aburst

Cite this Entry

“A burr in/under the saddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20burr%20in%2Funder%20the%20saddle. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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