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.
One thorny issue in modern education is how to ensure equal opportunities for students from different backgrounds.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: It's a thorny issue to deal.
Say: It's a thorny issue to deal with.
You 'deal WITH an issue' — don't drop 'with'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'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 issue
- a particularly
- tackle
- remains
- such