fine-tooth-comb
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While there are similarities between transactions designed to avoid different reporting requirements, investigators will look at them with a fine-tooth comb.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026
They decipher games with a fine-tooth comb when the truth is that they are decided either by defensive mistakes or good play in the final third, both of which produce goal-scoring opportunities.
From BBC • Nov. 23, 2025
“We suspect they were going through everything with a fine-tooth comb looking for anything to peg her with after the fact,” Gauthier said, adding that his client was cleared of wrongdoing.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2025
Lawyers in Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden’s office are going through all the state’s abortion statutes with a fine-tooth comb, said Wasden spokesman Scott Graf.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 1, 2022
"Yes—you win! It's Armstrong all right. But where the devil did he hide himself? We went over the place with a fine-tooth comb."
From "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie
