The expression "went over with fine tooth comb" means to carefully examine something in great detail. The spelling of the word "tooth" in this saying is pronounced with the θ sound, as in "thick" and "thin," which is represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /θuːθ/. This sound is commonly mistaken with the "t" or "f" sounds in English, but in this phrase, the correct pronunciation is important to convey the intended meaning. The phrase originated in the 17th century and has remained a popular idiom ever since.
When someone "went over with a fine-tooth comb," they conducted a thorough and meticulous examination or scrutiny of something. This idiomatic expression implies an intense level of attention to detail and a meticulous search for information or flaws. It originates from the literal act of combing one's hair with a fine-tooth comb, which allows for close inspection and the meticulous removal of tangles or debris.
The phrase is commonly used to describe the careful review of written documents, such as contracts, manuscripts, or reports, with great precision and attention to every detail. It suggests a comprehensive analysis aimed at detecting any errors, inaccuracies, inconsistencies, or hidden information that may be overlooked by a casual or superficial examination. The process of going over something "with a fine-tooth comb" involves an exhaustive review, often taking more time and effort than a quick or cursory inspection.
Moreover, this expression can also be applied in the context of investigating or searching for something. When exploring a crime scene, conducting an audit, or researching a topic in-depth, going over with a fine-tooth comb implies a methodical and exhaustive approach to uncover every possible detail or evidence. Thus, utilizing this idiom conveys a sense of thoroughness, precision, and dedication to achieving comprehensive results in tasks that require meticulous examination.