What is the meaning of the phrase ‘Move the needle’?
To change a situation or circumstance to a noticeable, or discernible, and measurable amount.
What is the origin of the phrase ‘Move the needle’?
The idiom ‘move the needle’ appears to be derived in England during the Industrial Revolution, referencing gauges on steam engines. Steam engines played an important part in the technological revolution, and there would be gauges with a needle indicating the pressure of power generated by the engine. When the needle was moving, this meant that the engine was working and generating a significant result. Later similar gauges would appear on other technologies such as car speedometers, old audio recording equipment, and aviation gauges (during World War Two).
Later, in the 1980s, the meaning of the phrase was expanded so that it became a metaphor for making changes in both corporate and personal circumstances to point out when a significant difference, usually an improvement, had been made, even if it was a relatively small difference.
If ‘the needle’ only moves a little in the right direction, it’s still a start and a step in the right direction that could potentially improve over time.
What are some notable uses of the phrase ‘Move the needle’?
When Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007, the product was hailed as a game-changer that “moved the needle” in the smartphone industry, shifting market dynamics and setting new technological benchmarks.
When LeBron James joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, sports analysts widely discussed whether his addition would “move the needle” for the team, particularly in terms of returning the Lakers to NBA championship contention.
In the 2020 U.S. presidential election, analysts often questioned whether particular debates or policy announcements would “move the needle” for undecided voters, especially in battleground states.
During the Black Lives Matter movement, many activists and commentators discussed how various actions, such as protests or policy proposals, were moving the needle on police reform and racial justice awareness.
The phrase has also been used to describe changes in the Film Box Office Performance, including when the release of the film Avengers: Endgame in 2019 set all-time global revenue records and reshaped expectations for future blockbuster releases.Similarly, the phrase was also used to describe changes in music and streaming platforms, such as when in 2021, when Adele released her single ‘Easy on Me’, which topped the streaming charts and generated massive public interest within hours of release.
Today, innovations such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy solutions, and electric vehicles are often discussed in terms of how they can ‘move the needle’ in global adoption and impact.The same can be said for environmental campaigns.
