darning needle

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Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A long sewing needle with a large eye: A "darning needle" is a tool used for mending fabric, specifically designed for darning socks or heavy embroidery. Its large eye allows for thick thread or yarn to pass through easily.
    • A common name for a dragonfly or damselfly: In informal, chiefly North American usage, "darning needle" is a folk name for certain slender, long-bodied insects of the order Odonata, known for their iridescent wings and role as predators of mosquitoes.
Usage Examples

  • Noun (Sewing Tool):

    • She threaded the darning needle with thick wool to mend the hole in the sock.
    • A darning needle is essential for repairing woven fabrics by hand.

  • Noun (Insect):

    • We watched the darning needle hover over the pond before darting away.
    • Children sometimes call dragonflies "darning needles" because of their long, thin bodies.
Advanced Usage
  • Historical/Regional Term: The insect meaning of "darning needle" is considered a colloquial or regional term. In formal contexts, "dragonfly" or "damselfly" is preferred.
    • In my grandmother's region, they always called dragonflies "darning needles."
Variants and Related Words
  • Darn (verb): To mend a hole in fabric by weaving thread across it.
    • I need to darn these socks before I can wear them again.
  • Darning (noun): The act or result of mending fabric with a darning stitch.
    • Her neat darning made the sock look almost new.
  • Darning Egg/Mushroom (noun): A rounded tool placed inside a garment to provide a firm surface for darning.
    • She placed the darning mushroom inside the sock's heel to begin her work.
Synonyms
  • For the sewing tool: Darner, embroidery needle (specifically for the long, large-eyed type).
  • For the insect: Dragonfly, damselfly, sewing needle (informal), devil's darning needle (informal/folk).
Related Phrases/Idioms
  • (As) busy as a darning needle: An informal simile comparing someone's constant, darting activity to the quick, hovering flight of the insect.
    • The new intern was as busy as a darning needle, rushing from one task to another.
Noun
  1. slender-bodied non-stinging insect having iridescent wings that are outspread at rest; adults and nymphs feed on mosquitoes etc.
  2. a long needle with an eye large enough for heavy darning or embroidery thread

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