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needle in a haystack
01
a person or thing that is really challenging or almost impossible to find
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "needle in a haystack" and when to use it?
The idiom "needle in a haystack" dates back to the 16th century and has been used in English literature since then. Its origin is quite literal, referring to the extreme difficulty of finding a tiny object (a needle) within a vast pile of straw or hay. This expression is often used to describe an exceedingly challenging or nearly impossible task of finding or locating something due to its extreme rarity, obscurity, or hidden nature.
Example
Trying to find a parking space during rush hour in the city is akin to finding a needle in a haystack.
Spotting a rare bird species in the dense forest is like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Identifying the cause of the computer error in the complex code was like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Finding that antique book in the used bookstore was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
How long are the odds of finding a needle in a haystack?
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