fine-toothed
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having fine teeth set close together: Describes an object, typically a comb, with narrow, closely spaced teeth.
Usage
- This adjective is primarily used attributively to modify nouns like "comb." It describes a specific physical characteristic of an implement designed for detailed, thorough grooming or searching.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- Metaphorical Use: The phrase "with a fine-toothed comb" is an idiom meaning to examine something with extreme thoroughness and attention to detail.
- The auditor went over the accounts with a fine-toothed comb.
Variants and Related Words
- Fine-tooth (adjective): An alternative, less common form with the same meaning (e.g., a fine-tooth comb).
- Comb (noun): The primary object this adjective describes.
Synonyms
- Close-set: Having parts positioned near to each other.
- Narrow-toothed: Having teeth that are thin and close together.
Related Idioms
- Go over/through something with a fine-toothed comb: To examine something meticulously and in great detail.
- Before submitting the report, she went through it with a fine-toothed comb.
Adjective
- having fine teeth set close together
- a fine-toothed comb