De fil en aiguille = Bit by bit; One thing leading to another.
[“De propos en propos et de fil en eguille.”—Régnier, Sat. xiii.]
Raconter de fil en aiguille = To tell the whole matter from the beginning.
Disputer sur la pointe d’une aiguille = To raise a discussion on a subject of no importance; To split hairs.
*Chercher une aiguille dans une botte de foin = To look for a needle in a bundle (bottle) of hay.
Aiguillon
A dur âne dur aiguillon = In dealing with obstinate natures one must use severe measures.
Aile
Il en a dans l’aile = He is winged (hurt).
Le ministère a du plomb dans l’aile = The ministry is nearing its end, is winged.