go over (something) with a fine-tooth comb

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go over (something) with a fine-tooth comb

To scrutinize something; to look at something very carefully. We need to go over these files with a fine-tooth comb to find that missing paperwork. Make sure to go over your thesis with a fine-tooth comb before you hand it in—you don't want your advisors wading through proofreading errors, do you?

go over something with a fine-tooth comb

and search something with a fine-tooth comb; go through something with a fine-tooth comb

Fig. to search through something very carefully. I can't find my calculus book. I went over the whole place with a fine-tooth comb. I searched this place with a fine-tooth comb and didn't find my ring.

go over/through something with a ˌfine-tooth ˈcomb

(informal) search or look at something very closely or carefully: I went through the accounts with a fine-tooth comb checking for mistakes. ♢ The police went through his room with a fine-tooth comb.