Stick out like a sore thumb

Saturday, 2023-10-14, Phrase: Stick out like a sore thumb

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Phrase: Stick out like a sore thumb

Sticking out like a sore thumb is a phrase used to describe a situation or an individual that stands out from the rest.


In some ways, they may be original or unique.

When something sticks out like a sore thumb, it is immediately noticeable and often draws unwanted attention because it cannot be ignored.

The term stick out like a sore thumb is derived from the appearance of a swollen and red thumb that is easily noticeable and stands out from the rest of the fingers.

Remember that if you have a sore thumb, every time you use your hand, you will bang your sore thumb on something.

In the same way, when something or someone sticks out like a sore thumb, it is easily distinguishable and attracts attention.

For instance, if you were to wear a bright neon green outfit to a formal event where everyone else is dressed in black and white, you would stick out like a sore thumb.

Similarly, if you were to speak English with someone on a Tokyo subway, you would stick out like a sore thumb.

Sticking out like a sore thumb can be both positive and negative.

In some cases, it can be a good thing to stand out and be different from the crowd.

For example, if you have a unique talent or skill, it can help you to stand out and get noticed.

On the other hand, (ha, ha, ha) sticking out like a sore thumb can also be negative, especially if it draws unwanted attention or makes you feel uncomfortable. 


Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test

This post is understandable by someone with at least a 7th-grade education (age 12).  

On the Flesch-Kincaid reading-ease test, this post scores 71.  

The easier a passage is to read, the higher the score on a scale of 0 – 100. 


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