Phrase guide

stick out like a sore thumb

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To be very noticeably (and undesirably or humorously) different; to be prominently out of place; to be particularly obtrusive or conspicuous (usually unintentionally); to attract unwanted attention or notice.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Qualifier: simile

Examples

  • Don't wear a business suit to that party; you'll stick out like a sore thumb.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: stick out a mile

Antonyms: belong, blend in, fit, fit in

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

14 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: pistää silmään — to be very noticeably out of place
  • French: détonner — to be very noticeably out of place
  • French: faire tache — to be very noticeably out of place
  • German: auffallen wie ein bunter Hund — to be very noticeably out of place
  • Greek: ξεχωρίζω (xechorízo) — to be very noticeably out of place
  • Icelandic: stinga í augun — to be very noticeably out of place
  • Icelandic: standa út — to be very noticeably out of place
  • Italian: essere fin troppo evidente — to be very noticeably out of place
  • Italian: dare nell'occhio — to be very noticeably out of place
  • Polish: pasować jak pięść do nosa — to be very noticeably out of place
  • Portuguese: diferenciar-se entre outros — to be very noticeably out of place
  • Spanish: desentonar — to be very noticeably out of place
  • Turkish: kötü bir şekilde göze çarpmak — to be very noticeably out of place
  • Zazaki: vısto xo çıman ver — to be very noticeably out of place