sting

sting

(esp. of insects, plants, and animals) to produce a small but painful injury by making a very small hole in the skin:

 If something stings, it causes you to feel pain:

 Cold air stung Jack’s lungs.

 The soap made his eyes sting.

 If someone’s remarks sting you, they make you feel upset and annoyed:

 Managers were stung by criticism from environmentalists.

 Why do bees sting?

Blossom

Blossom
of a tree or plant) to produce flowers that develop into fruit:

The cherry tree is beginning to blossom.

fig. She has really blossomed recently (= become more confident and successful).