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
The Search Begins Our search began with what felt like hunting for a needle in a haystack.
—
JSTOR Daily, 24 Oct. 2025
The search begins Our search began with what felt like hunting for a needle in a haystack.
—Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2025
Finding listeria is in a manufacturing plant can be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
—Kaan Ozcan, NBC news, 8 Oct. 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
See All Example Sentences for a needle in a haystack
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JSTOR Daily, 24 Oct. 2025
The search begins Our search began with what felt like hunting for a needle in a haystack.
—Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2025
Finding listeria is in a manufacturing plant can be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
—Kaan Ozcan, NBC news, 8 Oct. 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
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 31 Oct. 2025.
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