fine-tooth comb definition

English

Etymology

The noun is derived from fine (“particularly slender”) +‎ tooth (“sharp projection”) +‎ comb.^[1] The verb is derived from the noun.^[2]

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˌfaɪntuːθ ˈkəʊm/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˌfaɪnˌtuθ ˈkoʊm/

• Audio (GA)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -əʊm

Noun

fine-tooth comb (plural fine-tooth combs)

1. A comb with fine, closely spaced teeth, especially one used for removing head lice and their nits (eggs) from the hair; a nit comb.

   Synonym: toothcomb

2. (figuratively) A means of making a thorough search.

   Synonym: toothcomb

   The police went through his possessions with a fine-tooth comb.

Usage notes

• The term is sometimes misunderstood as fine toothcomb, especially in the figurative sense. This form of the expression, and the associated concept of a toothcomb, is often considered erroneous, but fine toothcomb is said to be now “accepted in standard English” by at least the Oxford English Dictionary.^[3]
• Sense 2 (“means of making a thorough search”) is generally used in the form “to go through with a fine-tooth comb”.

Alternative forms

• fine-toothed comb

Derived terms

• toothcomb

Translations

See also

• fingertip search

Verb

fine-tooth comb (third-person singular simple present fine-tooth combs, present participle fine-tooth combing, simple past and past participle fine-tooth combed) (transitive)

1. (dated) To comb or go through (hair, an animal's fur, etc.) with a comb having fine, closely spaced teeth.
2. (figuratively) To search (something or somewhere) meticulously.

   Synonyms: comb over, comb through, leave no stone unturned, pore over, scour, turn upside down

Translations

References