like looking for a needle in a haystack
be like looking for a needle in a haystack
To be similar to searching for something that is very difficult to locate, especially something small or something hidden among similar things. Trying to find my contact lens on the floor was like looking for a needle in a haystack. I really need to tidy up my office. Whenever I need a specific document, it's like looking for a needle in a haystack! A: "I don't think there's a viable candidate in this batch either." B: "Geez, filling this position has been like looking for a needle in a haystack!"
like looking for a needle in a haystack
Similar to searching for something that is very difficult to locate, especially something small and/or something hidden among similar things. Trying to find my contact lens on the floor was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
like looking for a needle in a haystack
Fig. engaged in a hopeless search. Trying to find a white glove in the snow is like looking for a needle in a haystack. I tried to find my lost contact lens on the beach, but it was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
like looking for a needle in a haystack
If trying to find something is like looking for a needle in a haystack, it is extremely difficult or impossible. She was told by police that searching for the dog would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Note: This expression is very variable. It soon became clear that we were looking for a needle in a haystack. It's very much a needle in a haystack situation that we're dealing with.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
like looking for/trying to find a ˌneedle in a ˈhaystack
very difficult to find: How can we ever find the quotation if you don’t even know what part of the book it comes from? It’ll be like looking for a needle in a haystack.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017