THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Stick out like a sore thumb
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Be very noticeable because you are different from everything or everyone around you.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The bright plastic chair stuck out like a sore thumb among the old wooden furniture.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?
Be very noticeable because you are different from everything or everyone around you.
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Stick out like a sore thumb — Be very noticeable because you are different from everything or everyone around you.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Stick out like a sore thumb” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Be very noticeable because you are different from everything or everyone around you.
Compare: The bright plastic chair stuck out like a sore thumb among the old wooden furniture.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this informal expression about a conspicuous mismatch. It often suggests awkwardness, so avoid making someone feel unwelcome because they look or act differently.
More examples in context
- One oversized heading sticks out like a sore thumb on the otherwise simple page.
- I felt I stuck out like a sore thumb in a suit when everyone else wore jeans.
Usage note
The past tense is “stuck out”. “Stand out like a sore thumb” is another form. It describes conspicuous difference rather than a physical injury.
A short conversation
A: Does this new paragraph fit the report?
B: The very casual tone sticks out like a sore thumb.
A: I’ll rewrite it to match the surrounding sections.
One more practice question
Which detail sticks out like a sore thumb in a plain black-and-white poster?
A. One large, bright pink sentence in the middle.
B. Another line in the same black type as the rest.
Check your answer
A. The bright sentence is conspicuous because it differs strongly from its surroundings.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.