fine comb: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “fine comb” mean?
A comb with very closely spaced teeth, used for removing small particles, lice, or for detailed grooming.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A comb with very closely spaced teeth, used for removing small particles, lice, or for detailed grooming.
To examine or search something with extreme thoroughness and attention to detail.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties. The verb form 'to fine-tooth comb' is more common in American English, while 'to fine-comb' is slightly more typical in British English.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes meticulousness, thorough investigation, or detailed grooming.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but the idiomatic expression 'to go over/through something with a fine-tooth comb' is more common than the noun alone.
Grammar
How to Use “fine comb” in a Sentence
[Subject] + go over/through + [Object] + with a fine comb[Subject] + fine-comb + [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fine comb” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The detective fine-combed the crime scene for clues.
- We need to fine-comb this contract before signing.
American English
- The editor fine-tooth-combed the manuscript for errors.
- They fine-combed the financial statements for discrepancies.
adverb
British English
- She searched fine-comb through the old letters.
- The team worked fine-comb to prepare the report.
American English
- He read the document fine-tooth-comb to find the clause.
- They reviewed the plans fine-comb before construction.
adjective
British English
- The police conducted a fine-comb search of the property.
- Her fine-comb analysis revealed several inconsistencies.
American English
- The audit was a fine-tooth-comb examination of the books.
- He is known for his fine-comb attention to detail.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The auditors will go through the accounts with a fine-tooth comb.
Academic
The researcher fine-combed the archival records for any mention of the event.
Everyday
I had to use a fine comb to get the knots out of my daughter's hair.
Technical
A fine comb is essential for diagnosing active head lice infestation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fine comb”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fine comb”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fine comb”
- Using 'fine comb' as an adjective without a hyphen (e.g., 'fine comb search' should be 'fine-comb search' or 'fine-tooth-comb search').
- Confusing 'fine comb' with a regular hair comb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically written as two words ('fine comb'), especially as a noun. The verb is often hyphenated ('fine-comb' or 'fine-tooth-comb').
They are essentially synonymous. 'Fine-tooth comb' is a more common variant of the idiom, emphasizing the closely spaced teeth.
Yes, though it's less common. It means to examine something meticulously (e.g., 'to fine-comb a document').
The noun for the object is not very common. The idiomatic expression 'to go over something with a fine-tooth comb' is more frequently used, especially in formal or investigative contexts.
A comb with very closely spaced teeth, used for removing small particles, lice, or for detailed grooming.
Fine comb is usually formal/technical in register.
Fine comb: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfaɪn ˈkəʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfaɪn ˈkoʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “go over/through something with a fine-tooth comb”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of finding a FINE (tiny) detail, like a nit, which requires a FINE COMB.
Conceptual Metaphor
SCRUTINY IS DETAILED GROOMING (e.g., combing through details).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a 'fine comb'?