Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

like-looking-for-a-needle-in-a-haystack

idiom

/laɪk ˈlʊkɪŋ fər ə ˈnidəl ɪn ə ˈheɪstæk/

Definition

A situation that is extremely difficult or almost impossible to find something in.

Examples

Looking for her lost ring was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Trying to find the right person in such a large crowd felt like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Meaning

This phrase describes a search that feels hopeless or futile, akin to trying to find a very small object (a needle) in a large pile of something else (hay), where the chances of success are very slim.