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

go over something with a fine-tooth comb

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

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