The expression “needle in a haystack” is used to refer to something that is incredibly difficult or nearly impossible to find. Despite its age, it remains a common and useful metaphor today. In this article, we will discuss the meaning of the expression “needle in a haystack” including some frequently asked questions about its use and origin.
Table Of Content:
- Definition of A Needle In A Haystack by Merriam-Webster
- A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK | definition in the Cambridge English ...
- Needle in a haystack Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
- A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK | meaning in the Cambridge English ...
- Like looking for a needle in a haystack definition and meaning ...
- What is the origin of the phrase "needle in a hay stack"? - English ...
- A needle in a haystack - Idioms by The Free Dictionary
- haystack noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes ...
- Haystack - definition of haystack by The Free Dictionary
- A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK English Definition and Meaning ...
1. Definition of A Needle In A Haystack by Merriam-Webster
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20needle%20in%20a%20haystack
A needle in a haystack definition is - someone or something that is very hard to find. How to use a needle in a haystack in a sentence.
2. A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK | definition in the Cambridge English ...
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/a-needle-in-a-haystack
4 days ago ... a needle in a haystack meaning: 1. something that is impossible or extremely difficult to find, especially because the area you…. Learn more.
3. Needle in a haystack Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/needle-in-a-haystack
Needle in a haystack definition at Dictionary.com, a free online dictionary with pronunciation, synonyms and translation. Look it up now!
4. A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK | meaning in the Cambridge English ...
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/a-needle-in-a-haystack
4 days ago ... a needle in a haystack definition: 1. something that is impossible or extremely difficult to find, especially because the area you…. Learn more.
5. Like looking for a needle in a haystack definition and meaning ...
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/like-looking-for-a-needle-in-a-haystack
Like looking for a needle in a haystack definition: If you are trying to find ... See full dictionary entry for haystack. COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary.
6. What is the origin of the phrase "needle in a hay stack"? - English ...
https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/120218/what-is-the-origin-of-the-phrase-needle-in-a-hay-stack
The idiom in full is: "like looking for a needle in a haystack" it is based on the idea that it is very hard to find a sewing needle in a haystack (a tall pile of dry grass).
7. A needle in a haystack - Idioms by The Free Dictionary
https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/a+needle+in+a+haystack
needle in a haystack, (like finding) a ... An item that is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to find. This term dates from the sixteenth century, although “haystack ” at ...
8. haystack noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes ...
https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/haystack
Find out which words work together and produce more natural sounding English with the Oxford Collocations Dictionary app. Idioms. a needle in a haystack.
9. Haystack - definition of haystack by The Free Dictionary
https://www.thefreedictionary.com/haystack
Define haystack. haystack synonyms, haystack pronunciation, haystack translation, English dictionary definition of haystack. n. A large stack of hay, especially ...
10. A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK English Definition and Meaning ...
https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/a_needle_in_a_haystack
English dictionary definition of A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK along with additional meanings, example sentences, and different ways to say.
What does “needle in a haystack” mean?
The expression “needle in a haystack” means something that is extremely difficult to find or nearly impossible to locate. It comes from an old proverb, which suggests that trying to find a needle in a large pile of hay is just as hard as trying to find something rare and precious.
Is this phrase still used today?
Yes, the phrase is still commonly used today. People still use it when they want to express how hard it can be to find something specific among many other things - like looking for a needle in a pile of hay!
Where did this phrase come from?
The phrase has been around since at least the 1500s and likely longer. It derives from an old proverb which suggested that trying to find one needle among an entire pile of hay was akin to finding something rare and precious amidst countless other options.
Conclusion:
The expression “needle in a haystack” has remained popular for centuries now due to its perfect description of how difficult it can be at times to locate what you are looking for. Not only does this saying capture the frustration and difficulty that comes with searching for something hidden among many others, but it also reminds us of the value of finding even small treasures amongst seemingly endless possibilities.
