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Region: General | Usage example: This marketing push moved the needle on awareness.

Move the needle

Meaning

Make measurable progress.

Usage

Used in performance metrics discussions.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Instrumentation where needles show changes.

Modern business parlance from the late 20th century.

Related Idioms

Needle in a haystack

Something extremely difficult to find.

Move the goalposts

Change the rules or expectations to make success harder to achieve.

Move heaven and earth

Try everything to achieve something.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.