Move the needle

How it is used

Informal business language about impact. Name the result being measured so the phrase does not become an empty claim of progress.

Example sentences

1. A prettier report will not move the needle if customers still wait a week for a reply.

   Appearance alone does not improve the service outcome being criticized.

2. The extra evening shift could move the needle on delivery delays during the peak season.

   The proposed action targets a concrete operating result.

Common collocations

• actually move the needle
• fail to move the needle

Related terms

• KPIShort for key performance indicator: a measurable value that shows how well a person, team or company is achieving an important goal.
• figuresNumbers that show amounts, results or statistics, especially official numbers about sales, costs or performance.

More terms: Office Idioms and Phrases

• touch base
• heads-up
• on the same page
• keep me posted
• ballpark figure
• bandwidth
• circle back
• low-hanging fruit
• get the ball rolling
• back to the drawing board
• drop the ball
• on my radar