AI-based music, for one, is something that likely will be a thorn in the side of many labels and artists if they feel like their IP’s been lifted.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2023/05/12/tiktok-newmusic/

He has a thorn in the side of Washington, that executive agencies in the United States, like the DEA, are disorganized and dysfunctional.

Source: https://dailycaller.com/2023/04/18/mexico-amlo-espionage-pentagon-united-states-department-defense-leak/

'I've been a thorn in the side of the establishment here in Idaho for quite a while and this is their mechanism to try to destroy me,' Bundy said, adding that he didn't have funds to pay the damages.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12897653/Ammon-Bundy-claims-Idaho-hospital-plundered-wife-sons-bank-accounts.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), who has been a thorn in the side of both President Biden and the Senate Democratic Caucus, is already eyeing a potentially lucrative private sector career if her bid to stay in the U.S. Senate is unsuccessful.

Source: https://www.rawstory.com/ray-holmberg-2666099747/

The Anglo Ashanti Hospital has been a thorn in the side of the Gauteng government since 2020.

Source: https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/rush-to-salvage-abandoned-hospital/