fine toothcomb
Meticulous search method
A fine toothcomb—more often *fine-tooth comb*—is a comb with narrowly spaced teeth, used to remove lice or nits from hair.
The phrase go over something with a fine-tooth comb means to examine it meticulously, missing nothing.
The compressed form *fine toothcomb* treats the implement as a single concept rather than a comb with fine teeth.
- searchAct of seeking
- inspectStudy closely for flaws
- meticulousShowing extreme attention to detail
- scrutinizeInspect with close attention
- pick apartCriticize piece by piece
close inspection · nitpicking · examine · under the microscope · sift · analyze · scan · eagle eye · magnifying glass · rigor · thoroughness · due diligence · sieve · fastidiousness · dot the i's · leave no stone unturned · no stone unturned · study
fine toothcombquick glance
Short, rapid look
cursory look · once-over · skim · broad strokes · thumbnail sketch
fine, tooth, comb, finely, finer, finest, fineness, toothed, toothy