a needle in a haystack
noun phrase
informal
: someone or something that is very hard to find
Searching for your earring at the park will be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Examples of a needle in a haystack in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This process can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack and can take months to complete for one site.
—
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 25 Sep. 2025
Finding the best hair oils for curly hair can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—every bottle promises shine, frizz control, or hydration, but not every formula delivers.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 1 Sep. 2025
Looking Ahead As AI adoption accelerates, deciding where to implement and invest in AI tools can sometimes feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack—there are endless possibilities.
—Toby Carrington, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
That would be like a needle in a haystack.
—Meredith Wolf Schizer, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a needle in a haystack
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 25 Sep. 2025
Finding the best hair oils for curly hair can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—every bottle promises shine, frizz control, or hydration, but not every formula delivers.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 1 Sep. 2025
Looking Ahead As AI adoption accelerates, deciding where to implement and invest in AI tools can sometimes feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack—there are endless possibilities.
—Toby Carrington, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
That would be like a needle in a haystack.
—Meredith Wolf Schizer, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a needle in a haystack
Cite this Entry
“A needle in a haystack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20needle%20in%20a%20haystack. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share