A thorny situation is a difficult or complex problem that is hard to solve. It is often referred to as a DILEMMA, which is a situation in which a person has to choose between two or more options, none of which are ideal. A thorny situation can be caused by a variety of factors, such as conflicting interests, limited resources, or a lack of information. It can also be caused by a combination of these factors. In any case, it is a challenging problem that requires careful consideration and creative solutions.