fine-toothed comb

• Phrase utilisée métaphoriquement pour désigner un examen très minutieux, approfondi et détaillé de quelque chose, comme si l'on cherchait une infime particule avec un peigne à dents très fines.

A phrase used metaphorically to mean examining something very carefully, thoroughly, and in great detail, as if searching for something tiny with a comb that has very fine teeth.

1. Literal meaningB1formal

   A comb with closely spaced teeth, used for removing lice or fine debris from hair.

   peigne fin

   • She used a fine-toothed comb to remove the tangles from her hair.
   • The barber recommended a fine-toothed comb for detangling.
   • He carefully brushed his hair with a fine-toothed comb.

2. Figurative meaningB2informal

   To examine something very carefully and thoroughly.

   peigne fin

   • The detective went through the evidence with a fine-toothed comb.
   • We need to review the contract with a fine-toothed comb before signing.
   • She analyzed the report with a fine-toothed comb to find any errors.