fine tooth comb
fine-tooth comb (idiom)
/ˌfaɪn tuːθ koʊm/
Meanings
- To search something very carefully and thoroughly, examining every small detail.
- To examine, investigate, or analyze something with great attention to detail.
- To investigate deeply in order to find mistakes, problems, or hidden facts.
Synonyms: scrutinize; inspect thoroughly; examine in detail; investigate closely; analyze minutely.
Example Sentences
- The detective went over the crime scene with a fine-tooth comb, making sure not to miss even the tiniest piece of evidence.
- The editor reviewed the manuscript with a fine-tooth comb to correct every single grammatical error before publication.
Origin and History
The idiom “go over with a fine-tooth comb,” which denotes a meticulous examination or search, originates from the literal object it references: a comb with closely spaced teeth designed for removing small particles, such as lice or nits, from hair. This etymology reflects a shift from a practical grooming tool to a metaphorical expression emphasizing thoroughness and attention to detail. The term “fine-toothed” emerged in English by the early 18th century, initially describing tools like saws or files with delicate teeth, and by extension applied to combs around 1703. The phrase captures the painstaking process of using such a comb, where every strand is carefully inspected, symbolizing any act of close scrutiny.
Theories and Beliefs
The idiom stems directly from the historical use of fine-tooth combs in hygiene practices, particularly for delousing, which required precision to capture minute objects. This understanding is universally accepted, with no competing theories documented in linguistic studies. The metaphorical extension arose from observations of the comb’s efficacy in gathering fine debris, such as grease or parasites, and was applied to investigative or analytical endeavors. The expression conveys diligence and precision, drawing from the physical act of combing to represent thorough examination in various contexts.
History
The idiom’s history begins in the 19th century, building on earlier references to the physical comb. The noun “fine-tooth comb” appeared in the late 18th century, with figurative usage emerging by the mid-1800s. By the 1880s, the verbal form “to fine-tooth comb” was in print, marking its establishment as an idiom. The expression gained prominence in English literature and journalism, reflecting a cultural emphasis on precision in fields like detection and scholarship. It remains in modern English, occasionally subject to variations like “fine toothcomb,” but consistently denotes thorough examination.
Country of Origin
The idiom “go over with a fine-tooth comb” originated in the United States, as evidenced by its early appearances in American publications. Initial uses are tied to 19th-century American texts, distinguishing the phrase from similar expressions in other English variants. The idiom’s development aligns with American linguistic innovations during this period, solidifying its place in American English. Over time, the idiom became widely adopted in both British and American English, retaining its connotation of thoroughness and precision.
Earliest Printed Record
The earliest known printed record of the term “fine-tooth comb” dates back to 1836. In the book History of Berlin, Connecticut, the term is used in a literal context:
“ask the loan of her fine tooth comb. She said she wanted to use it to comb the lice from her children’s heads.”
This early usage reflects the literal application of the comb for its intended purpose.
The earliest documented use of “fine-tooth comb” in a figurative context appears in the October 21, 1843, issue of a New York-based periodical, on page 36. The quotation reads:
“…how eagerly she gazed, as it drew the surface in the process of biting off, like the transit of a fine-tooth comb, gathering little pellets of grease in its meshes, after the most approved fashion of a patent rake!”
This usage, within a descriptive narrative, marks an early metaphorical application that laid the groundwork for the full idiom.
Variants
- go over with a fine-tooth comb
- fine-tooth comb
- fine-toothed comb
Similar Idioms
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