thread the needle

== English == === Alternative forms === thread a needle (verb) === Etymology === From the analogy of passing a thread through the eye of a needle, which requires great focus and precision to accomplish. === Pronunciation === === Verb === thread the needle (third-person singular simple present threads the needle, present participle threading the needle, simple past and past participle threaded the needle) (idiomatic) To perform a tedious task with extreme precision; to manage to find harmony or strike a balance between conflicting forces, interests, etc. For more quotations using this term, see Citations:thread the needle. (skydiving) To fly through a narrow gap; typically using a wingsuit. === Noun === thread the needle (uncountable) A game in which children stand in a row, joining hands, and in which the outer one, still holding their neighbor, runs between the others. ==== Synonyms ==== thread needle