move the needle
Meaning: To make a noticeable difference.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “The ad campaign was nice, but it didn't move the needle on sales.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The needle is the pointer on a gauge or meter. The business phrase became popular in the late 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Faire avancer le schmilblick — literally: To move the schmilblick forward
More idioms — Daily Life
- have a few tricks up one's sleeve — To have secret plans or resources in reserve.
- so near and yet so far — Close to something one wants but unable to reach it.
- cast the first stone — To be the first to condemn someone.
- steal a march on — To gain an advantage by acting before someone else.
- throw someone under the bus — To betray or blame someone to save oneself.
- take stock — To review a situation carefully before deciding what to do.
More English idioms
- in two shakes of a lamb's tail — Very quickly.
- a Procrustean bed — A rigid standard forced on everything, whatever the damage.
- a Sisyphean task — An endless, futile task.
- jam tomorrow — A promise of good things in the future that never arrive.
- a rolling stone gathers no moss — Someone who keeps moving never settles or accumulates anything; sometimes also, keeping a…
- little strokes fell great oaks — Small, steady efforts achieve great results.
From our proverbs
- Who depends upon another man's table often dines late. — Relying on others' generosity leaves you vulnerable to hunger and uncertain timing.
- Remove the tale-bearer and contention ceaseth. — Silencing gossip's source eliminates the conflict it generates among those previously div…
- Talk of the devil and his imp appears. — Mentioning someone unexpectedly often causes them to arrive or contact you shortly after.