Like looking for a needle in a haystack Meaning in English

expression

US

LYKE LUH-king FER AY NEE-duhl IN AY HAY-stak

UK

LYKE LUH-king FAW AY NEE-duhl IN AY HAY-stak

Definition

This expression means trying to find something that is almost impossible or extremely difficult to locate.

Usage & Nuances

This is an informal idiom, often used for frustrating searches or impossible tasks. Used with 'it's' or 'finding it is', e.g., 'It's like looking for a needle in a haystack.' Avoid using in formal writing.

• Spanish: como buscar una aguja en un pajar
• Portuguese (BR): como procurar uma agulha no palheiro
• Portuguese (PT): como procurar uma agulha num palheiro
• Chinese (Simplified): 大海捞针
• Chinese (Traditional): 大海撈針
• Hindi: सूई को भूसे के ढेर में ढूंढना जैसा
• Arabic: كالبحث عن إبرة في كومة قش
• Bengali: খড়ের গাদায় সূঁচ খোঁজা
• Russian: искать иголку в стоге сена
• Japanese: 干し草の山から針を探すようなもの
• Vietnamese: như mò kim đáy bể
• Korean: 건초 더미에서 바늘 찾기
• Turkish: samanlıkta iğne aramak
• Urdu: بھوسے کے ڈھیر میں سوئی تلاش کرنا
• Indonesian: seperti mencari jarum di tumpukan jerami

Example Sentences

Finding my lost ring in the park was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

basic

Looking for my homework in this messy room is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

basic

Finding your friend in this huge crowd is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

basic

Honestly, finding that old photo in all these boxes was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

natural

Trying to get help at that busy airport felt like looking for a needle in a haystack.

natural

Fixing this bug in the code is like looking for a needle in a haystack sometimes.

natural