thorny

英 [ˈθɔːni]

美 [ˈθɔːrni]

adj. 棘手的; 麻烦的; 引起争议的; 有刺的; 多刺的

最高级：thorniest　比较级：thornier　

Collins.1 / BNC.18411 / COCA.13200

牛津词典

adj.

棘手的；麻烦的；引起争议的
causing difficulty or disagreement
1. a thorny question/issue/problem
  棘手的问题
有刺的；多刺的
having thorns
1. a thorny bush
  有刺的灌木

ADJ (植物、树木)带刺的，多刺的
Athornyplant or tree is covered with thorns.
1. ...thorny hawthorn trees.
  长满刺的山楂树
ADJ-GRADED (问题)棘手的，复杂难解的，令人头疼的
If you describe a problem asthorny, you mean that it is very complicated and difficult to solve, and that people are often unwilling to discuss it.
1. ...the thorny issue of immigration policy...
  移民政策这个棘手问题
2. It is essential that we tackle this thorny problem.
  我们很有必要处理这个棘手问题。

adj

In Japan, though, this is proving a particularly thorny problem.
然而在日本，事实证明这是一个尤其棘手的问题。
Another thorny issue involves controlling inflation in the face of emerging market forces.
另一棘手的问题涉及在市场力量形成的同时控制通货膨胀。
The concept has fascinated security experts, but there are thorny technical problems.
这个理念令安全专家深深着迷，但其中也存在棘手的技术难题。
The thorny question of states 'rights.
关于国家权利的棘手问题。
Thorny issues such as women's role in agriculture and land tenure rights must also be tackled.
还必须解决女性在农业中的作用以及土地权等棘手的问题。
Moreover, Chinese firms must wrestle with thorny regulatory and political issues.
更为突出的是，中国人的公司必须与难搞的监管和政治事项相角力。
A broad question& but also a thorny one in this circumstance.
这是一个很宽泛的问题，但考虑到提问背景，这也是一个很尖锐的问题。
The roses are thorny. Take care not to prick your hands.
玫瑰有刺，小心扎手。
I require you to send someone to deal with this thorny issue as soon as possible.
我要求你们尽快派人处理这个棘手的问题。
Race relations in the US continue to be a thorny problem. Racism remains a touchy issue.
美国的种族关系一直是棘手的问题。种族主义可是个要小心处理的问题。