fine-tooth comb

American  

[fahyn-tooth] / ˈfaɪnˌtuθ /

Also fine-toothed comb

noun

1. a comb having narrow, closely set teeth.

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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.

fine-tooth comb British  

noun

1. a comb with fine teeth set closely together

2. to examine very thoroughly

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fine-tooth comb More Idioms  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of fine-tooth comb

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

They decipher games with a fine-tooth comb when the truth is that they are decided either by defensive mistakes or good play in the final third, both of which produce goal-scoring opportunities.

From BBC

“We suspect they were going through everything with a fine-tooth comb looking for anything to peg her with after the fact,” Gauthier said, adding that his client was cleared of wrongdoing.

From Los Angeles Times

Marling, who calls Owen’s preparation “ferocious,” recalls going over every scene “with a fine-tooth comb.”

From Los Angeles Times

Any such deal would normally have to be accepted by all countries in a plenary session, where negotiators can go through the text with a fine-tooth comb, often leading to major arguments.

From BBC

“My father’s lawyers went through those rules with a fine-tooth comb.”

From Literature

Related Words

• comb
• rummage
• scour
• scrounge