thread the needle
The phrase "thread the needle" is an idiomatic expression often used to describe actions requiring precision, balance, and skill.
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Definition
A2Sewing
To guide a piece of thread through the eye of a needle.
Example
- She struggled to thread the needle due to the tiny eye.
B2Sports
(informal)To pass a ball or puck through a very small space between defenders or obstacles.
Example
- The quarterback threaded the needle with a perfect pass between two defenders.
B2General
(idiomatic)To perform a tricky or difficult task with precision and skill.
Example
- She managed to thread the needle by negotiating a deal that satisfied both parties.
B1Children's Games
A game where children stand in a row holding hands, and the outer one runs between the others while still holding their neighbor's hand.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "thread the needle":
peg the needlesewing needlewhip stitchextra stitchdarning needledevil's darning needlesew up