noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
thorny; full of thorns
Describes something physically covered with thorns or brambles.
その道は茨だらけで歩きにくかった。
The path was full of thorns and hard to walk on.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
miserable; full of hardships
Metaphorical use; describes a life, situation, or path filled with difficulties and suffering.
彼は茨だらけの人生を送ってきた。
He has led a life full of hardships.
Compound of 茨 (ibara, 'thorn') and だらけ (darake, 'covered with'). The metaphorical sense extends the physical image of thorns to represent life's difficulties.