fine-tooth comb

[ fahyn-tooth ]

noun

1. a comb having narrow, closely set teeth.

fine-tooth comb

noun

1. a comb with fine teeth set closely together
2. go over with a fine-tooth comb or go over with a fine-toothed comb or go through with a fine-tooth comb or go through with a fine-toothed comb
   to examine very thoroughly

Word History and Origins

Origin of fine-tooth comb¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. go over / through with a fine-tooth comb, to examine in close detail; search thoroughly; fine-comb:

   The police went over the apartment with a fine-tooth comb.

More idioms and phrases containing fine-tooth comb

A method of searching or investigating in minute detail, as in He examined the figures with a fine-tooth comb but found no errors . The practice of using a comb with close-set teeth to comb out head lice was transferred to various kinds of investigation in the late 1800s.

Example Sentences

Make sure your contractor is taking precise measurements, as the insurance company will go through the quote with a fine-tooth comb to find any discrepancies.

From Washington Blade

We’ve gone over our code with a fine-tooth comb, overhauling the most important parts and ditching outdated bits.

From ProPublica

How does it feel when every year your home electric bill in Tennessee is gone over with a fine tooth comb?

From The Daily Beast

Then—still on the way to harbor—a really fine-tooth-comb examination of the ship began.

From Project Gutenberg

You could rake all hell with a fine-tooth comb and not find a worse man to try you—if you killed Adam Forbes.

From Project Gutenberg

The only way to close the books on this matter fast is to cover the city with a fine-tooth comb.

From Project Gutenberg

Dip an old tooth-brush lightly into the ink, and, holding it over the cardboard, rub the bristles gently across a fine tooth comb.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes it is more easy to find them on a fine-tooth comb passed through the hair.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• comb
• rummage
• scour
• scrounge