English · Daily Life
a needle in a haystack
/ə ˈniː.dl̩ ɪn ə ˈheɪ.stæk/
[/ə ˈniː.dl̩ ɪn ə ˈheɪ.stæk/]
nearly impossible to find
Intermediatephrase
Definition
Something that is extremely difficult or impossible to find.
Example
Finding one specific file on that disorganised server was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Finding one specific file on that disorganised server was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Etymology
A proverb recorded since the 16th century, from the futility of finding a thin needle in hay.
How & Where It’s Used
Common for describing a near-hopeless search.