IdiomDaily Life
Swedish
Swedishsyna i sömmarna
Meaning: To examine something with intense, often harsh scrutiny and criticism.
Literally: To see in the seams
Example: “Journalisterna synade budgeten i sömmarna.” — The journalists went over the budget with a fine-tooth comb.
English equivalent: Fine-tooth comb
Equivalents in other languages
English: fine-tooth comb
Origin: Syna is to inspect. A garment examined seam by seam reveals bad stitching, and things could also be hidden in seams. To inspect someone or something in the seams is to scrutinize it in every detail, looking for flaws. No first use is documented.
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