go over (something) with a fine-tooth comb

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?

See also: comb, go, over

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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.

See also: comb, go, over

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

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.

See also: comb, go, over, something, through

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017