English Dictionary |
FINE-TOOTHED COMB
Pronunciation (US): | (GB): |
IPA (US): |
Dictionary entry overview: What does fine-toothed comb mean?
• FINE-TOOTHED COMB (noun)
The noun FINE-TOOTHED COMB has 2 senses:
1. a comb with teeth set close together
2. a method of examining in minute detail
Familiarity information: FINE-TOOTHED COMB used as a noun is rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
A comb with teeth set close together
Classified under:
Nouns denoting man-made objects
Synonyms:
fine-tooth comb; fine-toothed comb
Hypernyms ("fine-toothed comb" is a kind of...):
comb (a flat device with narrow pointed teeth on one edge; disentangles or arranges hair)
Sense 2
Meaning:
A method of examining in minute detail
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Synonyms:
fine-tooth comb; fine-toothed comb
Context example:
he went over the contract with a fine-tooth comb looking for loopholes
Hypernyms ("fine-toothed comb" is a kind of...):
examination; scrutiny (the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes))
Learn English with... Proverbs |
"After every darkness is light." (Afghanistan proverb)
"If you mentioned the wolf you better prepare the stick." (Arabic proverb)
"Hasty speed is rarely good" (Dutch proverb)