To search through a large amount of material, information, or an area very carefully and thoroughly.
To look through something very carefully, checking every single part, like a detective looking for clues.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To search or examine something — such as documents, data, or an area — very carefully and systematically.
"Investigators combed through hours of CCTV footage looking for the suspect."
Detectives combed through the wreckage for clues.
— BBC News, 2001 (reporting on the investigation following the Paddington rail crash)
To literally draw a comb through hair from root to tip to check or detangle it.
"She carefully combed through the child's wet hair before bedtime."
To draw a comb through hair to check every strand — the metaphor of thoroughness is very close to the surface.
To look through something very carefully, checking every single part, like a detective looking for clues.
Very common in journalism, law enforcement, research, and academic contexts. The metaphor is of a fine-toothed comb catching every strand. Often used with abstract objects: 'comb through the evidence', 'comb through the data'.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "comb through" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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