turn the needle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turn the needle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to changing a direction, focus, or measurement, often metaphorically. Example: "In order to improve our performance, we need to turn the needle towards more innovative strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They hope their project, which is still at a very early stage, "will turn the needle" in raising people's consciousness particularly in the US, which they believe is trailing Europe in recognising the dangers.

The Guardian

Then, without actually going through, turn the needle to the side (horizontal) and pull it back until about ¼" of the needle can be seen as a bump in the top of the quilt.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is conceivable that the island's climate provided just enough light to facilitate photosynthesis and turn the needles yellow, while diffusing the light sufficiently to keep the needles from burning out and dropping off.

The New Yorker

When turning, the needle ball graphically shows you the quality of the turn you're making.

WikiHow

This was then shaped with needles into a pill – servers had swallows tattooed on their hands and would make the wings flap as they turned the needles.

Independent

To prevent this, a special substance called Ugly Mix is sprayed on trees, turning the needles orange and brown for a few weeks until it naturally rinses away.

The New York Times

Where you want to turn the corner, lower the needle all the way into the fabric.

WikiHow

In Britain, it was largely limited to marijuana, but by the middle of the decade heroin had become familiar enough for Bert Jansch to include on his debut album the sad lament "Needle of Death", about an overdosed youngster whose "troubled young life had made [him] turn to the needle of death".

Independent

Obama's mercurialness has turned the compass needle for this week towards making a deal and evading a military strike.

Huffington Post

Turn the corner by leaving the needle down, and lifting the zipper foot up, and turning your fabric through 90 degrees.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Turn the machine off before threading the needle.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add more impact, follow up the phrase with a specific detail on what "turn the needle" would apply to.

Common error

Don't use "turn the needle" when referring to dramatic or immediate changes. This phrase indicates gradual progress rather than a sudden transformation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn the needle" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a verb phrase within a sentence. It signifies making a noticeable but not necessarily drastic change in a particular situation or trend. Ludwig examples show its usage in contexts relating to raising consciousness or affecting outcomes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turn the needle" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a slight, positive shift in a trend or situation. While Ludwig identifies this phrase as grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare. Predominantly found in news and media and wiki sources, it implies making progress or influencing an outcome. It is important to note that the phrase is not appropriate for dramatic or immediate changes. According to Ludwig AI the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affect the direction

Suggests a change in heading or orientation, comparable to influencing the needle's turn.

make a difference

This phrase focuses on having a positive impact, similar to influencing a change.

influence the outcome

This suggests affecting the final result or consequence of a situation.

have an impact

Similar to making a difference, but can also indicate having a negative influence.

change the status quo

This alternative emphasizes altering the current situation or existing state of affairs.

alter the course

This alternative highlights changing the direction or trajectory of something.

shift the paradigm

This alternative suggests a more significant and fundamental change than "turn the needle".

adjust the focus

This alternative is suitable when only a minor directional change is needed.

modify the approach

This alternative describes the act of implementing changes in the method being used.

redirect efforts

This suggests changing the focus of actions or endeavors to achieve a new goal.

FAQs

How can I use "turn the needle" in a sentence?

You can use "turn the needle" to describe making a noticeable, though perhaps small, change in a situation. For example: "We hope this new initiative will "turn the needle" on public opinion."

What does it mean to "turn the needle"?

The idiom "turn the needle" means to make a noticeable change, typically in a positive direction, even if the change isn't drastic. It's about affecting gradual progress.

What's a good alternative to "turn the needle"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "make a difference", "shift the focus", or "influence the outcome".

When is it appropriate to use "turn the needle"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight a slight but meaningful change in a trend, measurement, or attitude. It is suitable when the progress is gradual and requires consistent effort.