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A Needle In A Haystack Definition And Meaning In English

By Team MeaningKosh

The phrase "needle in a haystack" is an idiom that means something that is extremely difficult to find. It is used to express the difficulty of trying to find or identify something among a large number of other things. It can be used in any situation where someone is searching for something that requires deep knowledge or effort.

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6. A needle in a haystack - Idioms by The Free Dictionary

https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/a+needle+in+a+haystack
A needle in a haystack - Idioms by The Free Dictionaryneedle 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 ...

9. Haystack - definition of haystack by The Free Dictionary

https://www.thefreedictionary.com/haystack
Haystack - definition of haystack by The Free DictionaryDefine haystack. haystack synonyms, haystack pronunciation, haystack translation, English dictionary definition of haystack. n. A large stack of hay, especially ...

What does it mean when someone says they are looking for a needle in a haystack?

When someone says they are looking for a needle in a haystack, it means that they are looking for something very specific and hard to find amongst a vast amount of other things. It can be used to express how difficult it can be to locate something amidst all of the noise and distraction.

Is this phrase typically used in a positive or negative context?

The phrase “needle in a haystack” is typically used in a negative context because it expresses the difficulty of locating what one seeks against all odds.

Is there any etymology behind this phrase?

Yes, there is some etymology behind the phrase “needle in a haystack”, dating back hundreds of years to when farmers would keep needles, which were hard to come by, safely stored away with haystacks on their farms. This analogy stuck around and evolved over time into the common expression we use today.

How does this phrase relate to modern technology?

This phrase relates to modern technology as many people use search engines on the internet or databases filled with millions of pieces of data and information which requires specific algorithms and computer programs just using identify what you’re lookinhg for which could be compared as trying to find needle ina haystack.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, "needle in a haystack" is an idiom used when describing situations where someone is looking for something specific but challenging amidst many distractions or options. Its etymology dates back centuries and its relevance persists even today thanks largely due to advances made in technology requiring individuals search through large amounts of data.

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