Grammar fix
a thorny issue
awkward or difficult problem
a problem or subject that is complicated, sensitive, or likely to cause disagreement, making it hard to deal with or resolve.
collocationC1occasional
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- Deciding how to balance privacy and security is a thorny issue for many governments.society
- One thorny issue in modern education is how to ensure equal opportunities for students from different backgrounds.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: a thorny issue (for someone/to do something)
WrongIt's a thorny issue to deal.
RightIt's a thorny issue to deal with.
You 'deal WITH an issue' — don't drop 'with'.
Patterna thorny issue (for someone/to do something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Delicate and contentious matter' is formal; 'a thorny issue' carries it in two words.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
a thorny issuea particularlytackleremainssuch
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'a difficult issue', 'a thorny issue' emphasizes that the problem is not only challenging but also sensitive or likely to provoke strong opinions.