comb (something) for (someone or something)

To look through an area in an attempt to find someone or something in particular. We combed the wreckage for survivors but still haven't found any. I've been combing the house for my glasses—have you seen them? A: "Why is Molly starting to freak out?" B: "Because she's been combing the yard for her engagement ring and hasn't found it yet."

comb (something) out of (something)

To remove something, such as debris or knots, from something by combing. My poor daughter cries every time I try to comb the tangles out of her hair. Oh boy, we're going to have to comb the knots of this yarn first so that it's actually usable. Don't worry, the groomer will comb the mats out of Fluffy's fur.

comb out

To remove something, such as debris or knots, from something by combing. A noun or pronoun can be used between "comb" and "out." Honey, please stop screaming and let me finish combing the tangles out. Oh boy, we're going to have to comb the knots of this yarn first so that it's actually usable. The groomer will comb out the mats, don't worry. She has a lot of experience dealing with long-haired cats.

comb over

1. verb To search or inspect something or some place scrupulously. A noun or pronoun can be used between "comb" and "over." I combed over the entire beach, but I couldn't find my wedding ring anywhere. Our lawyers are combing the contract over, looking for anything we can use to our advantage. Sir, the crews have combed the wreckage for survivors all day but still haven't found any.

2. verb To comb the longer hair on one side of one's head over to cover the top of one's head. A noun or pronoun can be used between "comb" and "over." I swore that if I ever started going bald, I would just shave my whole head rather than try combing my hair over. Sure, you can comb your hair over, but that doesn't look much better than a bad toupee, you know. My grandpa always tried to comb over the little bit of hair that he had—as if that would somehow disguise the fact that he was basically bald.

3. noun A hairstyle in which longer hair on one side of one's head is combed across to cover the top of one's head, especially when a bald patch is present. Usually written with a hyphen. My grandpa always wore the silliest-looking comb-over, as if it would somehow disguise the fact that he was bald. A: "OK, what's worse, a comb-over or a bad toupee?" B: "Oof, neither are good. Just shave your head if you're going bald." That's the principal—the cranky old man with the comb-over who should have retired five years ago.

comb through (something)

1. To carefully look through an area or an item in an attempt to find someone or something. We combed through the wreckage but still haven't found any survivors. I combed through my bag in search of my glasses, and they were on my head the whole time! A: "Why is Molly starting to freak out?" B: "Because she's been combing through the yard for her engagement ring and hasn't found it yet."

2. To search through or inspect something scrupulously. Our lawyers are combing through the contract, looking for anything we can use to our advantage. I've been combing through my filing cabinet, but I can't find the documents anywhere. Comb through the files and see if you can find the architect's original proposal.