move the needle

To cause a noticeable change in something
move the needle To cause a noticeable change in something. The imagery refers to the pointer ("needle") on a measuring instrument, which moves to indicate the level that has been reached.
Move the needle - Idioms by The Free

move the needle
To cause a noticeable change in something. The imagery refers to the pointer ("needle") on a measuring instrument, which moves to indicate the level that has been reached.
It seems all my efforts to get in good with the CEO have done little to move the needle in my favor.
Is any other department working as hard as we are to move the needle on environmental conservation?
See also: move, needle
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
See also:
make a dent in
make a dent in (something)
make a dent in something
make a dent/hole in something
take (something) in stride
set (someone, something, or oneself) apart (from someone or something)
set apart
set apart from
bring (something) into sharp relief
put (something) into sharp relief