1. thread the needle - Noun
2. thread the needle - 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 find harmony or strike a balance between conflicting forces, interests, etc. Normally used to indicate the difficulty of doing so; also, sarcastically, for a failed attempt.
thread the needle (uncountable)
A game in which children stand in a row, joining hands, and in which the outer one, still holding his neighbour, runs between the others.