split hairs

1. To argue about an inconsequential and trivial aspect of an issue: “When you are accused of being forty-five minutes late for an appointment, you are splitting hairs to say that you were really only forty minutes late.”

Idioms and Phrases

Make trivial distinctions, quibble, as in Let's not split hairs about whose turn it is; I'll close up today and you do it tomorrow . This metaphoric idiom transfers dividing so fine an object as a single hair to other petty divisions. [Second half of 1600s]

Example Sentences

Multiplicity, change, motion—who is to split hairs about them, who will make fine distinctions?

From Project Gutenberg

It is possible to find a thousand faults in the most perfect work if one only hunts long enough and is willing to split hairs.

From Project Gutenberg

Starza and Tichnat split hairs while I dozed and thought about Fern.

From Project Gutenberg

Just get me back, and we'll split hairs about it when I get around this way again.

From Project Gutenberg

Sir Blaise, unwilling to split hairs, took it as balsam, and hurriedly turned the conversation.

From Project Gutenberg