bane



bane of (one's) existence

The source or cause of one's misfortune, unhappiness, frustration, or anxiety, usually used hyperbolically. I swear, this project is the bane of my existence. I've been working on it for months and still haven't made any real progress! Jane has been constantly annoying me all week. She's been the bane of my very existence!
See also: bane, existence, of

rickle o' banes

A Scottish phrase used to describe someone who is extremely thin. A "rickle" is a group of something, while "banes" are bones. You've just become a rickle o' banes during your time abroad, so I'm going to make all of your favorite meals now that you're home.
See also: bane

the bane of your life

someone or something that is always causing problems for you and upsetting you I have a sister who's always getting into trouble and expecting me to sort her out. She's the bane of my life.
See also: bane, life, of

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Bieitobee-AY-tawGalician
Tamir-Hebrew
SuibhneSIV-na (Irish, Scottish)Irish, Scottish, Ancient Irish
Andie['ændi]
IchabodIK-ə-bahd (English)Biblical
Apple['æpl]