eye of a needle

Sewing hole passage

The eye of a needle is the small hole at the top through which thread passes.

The phrase appears most often in the biblical saying about a camel passing through the eye of a needle—something impossible or nearly so: It's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven.

The image emphasizes extreme difficulty or impossibility.

sewing

thread

Fiber for stitching

threadingPassing strand through opening
thimblePitted cap for stitching
stitchThread loop in fabric

seamstress · tailor · embroidery · bobbin · pincushion · fabric · yarn · darning · mending · hemming

biblical

camel

Humped desert mammal

parableInstructive allegorical narrative
metaphorImplied identity comparison
rich manAffluent person

heaven · gate · kingdom · salvation · scripture · Jesus · gospel · impossible · wealth · difficulty

narrowness

pinhole

Minute circular opening

apertureAdjustable optical inlet
openingGap or start
slotNarrow slit for insertion

gap · constricted · tight · slim · restricted · cramped · compact · tapered · fine · minute

Opposites

size/aperture

eye of a needlegaping hole

chasm · canyon · cavern · barn door · ocean

difficulty of passage

eye of a needleopen door

Barrier removed for entry

clear path · open highway · rolling out the red carpet · path of least resistance · smooth sailing

needle anatomy

eye of a needleneedle point

Stitched textile art

needle tip · sharp end

Family

eyed, eyeing, eyelet, needle, needles, needled, needling, needlework

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G