You must thread the needle to fix this small tear.
thread the needle
idiomTo perform a tedious task with extreme precision; to manage to find harmony or strike a balance between conflicting forces, interests, etc.
Origin
disputed originFrom the analogy of passing a thread through the eye of a needle, which requires great focus and precision to accomplish.
The manager tried to thread the needle by cutting costs without upsetting the staff.
The diplomat had to thread the needle, crafting an agreement that satisfied both rival nations while maintaining the integrity of the original treaty.
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camel through the eye of a needle
Hyperbole to illustrate something that is impossible to do or to make happen.
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hang by a thread
To be in danger, calling for precise caution; to be in a precarious situation.
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move the needle
To change a situation to a noticeable degree; to make an appreciable difference.
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needle drop
A digital copy of a vinyl record
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needle in a haystack
Something that is difficult or impossible to locate.
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needle mover
A factor which noticeably influences a performance.
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peg the needle
To achieve the maximum level of something, to max out, to pull out all the stops.
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thread of thought
A train of thought; a thought process.