# comb through

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/comb-through
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To examine scrupulously.

## Examples

- I need to comb through these files to find the mistake.
- The detectives had to comb through hours of security footage to identify the suspect.
- The researchers spent weeks combing through historical archives to uncover the truth about the forgotten expedition.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.