divining rod

American  

noun

1. a rod, especially a forked stick, commonly of hazel, supposed to be useful in locating underground water, metal deposits, etc.

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divining rod British  

noun

1. Also called: dowsing rod.  a rod, usually a forked hazel twig, said to move or dip when held over ground in which water, metal, etc, is to be found

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Etymology

Origin of divining rod

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

And if you’re optically overwhelmed, may I suggest picking one material, color or theme that serves as an “I Spy” divining rod of sorts?

From Seattle Times • Jul. 20, 2023

We'll never know where his singular literary divining rod would have drawn him next, but judging from the closing words of Stella Maris, it certainly feels like McCarthy was bidding the world farewell:

From Salon • Jun. 15, 2023

"I like monochrome, without it being a uniform. I like simplicity. I like the details in the stitching, the way it feels. If anything, that's the only divining rod I have."

From Fox News • Sep. 3, 2021

A snippet of an email chain inadvertently made public became in the eyes of some a divining rod to university President Gregory Woodward’s true motives and intent.

From Washington Times • Apr. 16, 2021

The divining rod in my mind dipped sharply and a spring gushed water when I remembered that I was on a genuine, regulation lifeboat and that such a lifeboat was surely outfitted with supplies.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel