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

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

“This is something we went through with a fine-tooth comb.”

From Los Angeles Times

For once, nobody was in the least bit bothered about being ordered out of the car, bodies searched, vehicle and bags gone through with a fine-tooth comb.

From BBC

Related Words

• comb
• rummage
• scour
• scrounge