FINE-TOOTH COMB

Pronunciation (US):

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IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does fine-tooth comb mean? 

• FINE-TOOTH COMB (noun)
  The noun FINE-TOOTH COMB has 2 senses:

1. a comb with teeth set close together

2. a method of examining in minute detail

  Familiarity information: FINE-TOOTH COMB used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FINE-TOOTH COMB (noun)

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-tooth 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-tooth comb" is a kind of...):

examination; scrutiny (the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes))