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.
Table Of Content:
- Definition of A Needle In A Haystack by Merriam-Webster
- Needle in a haystack Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
- A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK | definition in the Cambridge English ...
- Like looking for a needle in a haystack definition and meaning ...
- A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK | meaning in the Cambridge English ...
- A needle in a haystack - Idioms by The Free Dictionary
- haystack noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes ...
- A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK English Definition and Meaning ...
- Haystack - definition of haystack by The Free Dictionary
- What is the origin of the phrase "needle in a hay stack"? - English ...
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. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 ...
7. 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.
8. 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.
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. 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).
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.