hair-splitting

hair-splitting

1. modifier Of or characterized by minute and irrelevant differences or details in an argument. There have been some hair-splitting changes to the script, but other than that, it's the same as it ever was.
2. noun The act of scrutinizing minute, irrelevant, or imperceptible differences or details. We would get a lot more done in these meetings if everyone did less hair-splitting.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • splitting
  • hard luck
  • nothing if not
  • nothing if not (something)
  • nothing if not something
  • hand to hand
  • long hair, don't care
  • ever so
  • ever so/ever such...
  • blink-and-you-miss-it
References in periodicals archive
The F1 Pro comes with Fallkniven's DC4 diamond/ceramic whetstone to keep the blade hair-splitting sharp.
CZ P-10 C
The all-new Halon delivers the bone-crushing energy and hair-splitting accuracy bowhunters expect from Mathews.
Splits hair & crushes bone
The majority of music copyright infringement cases have not yielded results nearly as hair-splitting or upsetting to the music industry as those of "Blurred Lines".
Blurred Lines Coming Into Focus: Are Juries Qualified to Pass Down Verdicts on Music Copyright Infringement Cases?
Before we dive in, there's a bit of hair-splitting in brain science you ought to be aware of.
7 Ways You Can Train Yourself to Be Smarter
I can remember when I thought the question was a waste of time, a tedious and boring exercise in hair-splitting. Worse still, some people considered it rude, so you didn't even ask.
The 64 gazillion dollar question: how do you know?
This hair-splitting comparison may seem an unkind way to review a book but I believe it makes my point: most of the original chapters were so well written that they really need no tampering with.
An Introduction to Medical Teaching
WBut, for all that - and it's hair-splitting pedantry anyway - it occurred to me recently that a shift has occurred that has implications worth my consideration.
THIS MUCH I KNOW Lynne Barrett-Lee; OPINION
To this end, CDNs now either compete by having differentiated ecosystems that can offer more of a turnkey solution to the larger enterprise, or they compete on hair-splitting differentiation about how their servers perform relative to the networks on which they provide services.
Content delivery networks
We have to note that the rugs and drapes were technically bought with "casino cash interest." That hair-splitting "interest account" earned by the casino fund remains hidden within the Dyster administration.
No rhyme or reason to justify Dyster's casino cash spending
But critics said there was no way this alleged bargain favored borrowers, who inevitably paid far more in extended interest than they ever received in hair-splitting "reduced'' interest rates.
Policy switch at FHA will stop pickpocketing of sellers at closing
Picking a shooting lane, deciding when to stop him, determining the range, drawing the bow, etc.--these are all decisions that have to happen fast, and they take priority over pure, hair-splitting accuracy.
Ask Bowhunter
There was none of that hair-splitting at Clary's sentencing hearing on Wednesday, which was satisfying to this observer.
Saying you're sorry is essential
The news caused a riot and people became hysterical and broke down in tears with hair-splitting cries of desperation.
The least they can do for ruining the country
With the modern church so consumed with equally hair-splitting issues, it was an utterly believable account.
Glorious Gospels showcased brilliantly in grand display
Liberal groups got their share of hair-splitting as well.
Revolution is not a pastime