fine-tooth comb
Meaning: An imaginary device one uses to look for something very carefully.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Body & Senses
Origin: The expression suggests the idea that if something can be found (i.e., if it exists), it can be found by using a comb with very fine (i.e., closely spaced) teeth.
More idioms — Body & Senses
- get a leg up — To make a good start on some activity or project.
- get it in the neck — To receive something unpleasant, such as criticism or punishment.
- get something off one's chest — To disclose or talk about something that is bothering or worrying one.
- get something on the nose — To do or understand something perfectly.
- get something through one's head — To understand something that is difficult, especially because it is a shock, unwanted, or…
- get someone the cold shoulder — To ignore someone intentionally.
More English idioms
- get someone a hand — To help someone.
- give one's right arm to do something — To want something very much.
- give someone the shirt off one's back — To give (figuratively) someone all one's possessions; to be very generous.
- gray matter — Brain tissue and, by extension, intelligence.
- green around the gills — Sick to one's stomach; nauseated.
- green thumb — Natural ability to grow plants.
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