Idiom
split hairs
Meanings
To argue about trivial details or make distinctions that are too small to be useful.
To be overly picky about wording, definitions, or precise interpretations.
Definition
To split hairs means to argue about very small details or make overly fine distinctions.
To split hairs is to focus on tiny differences that do not really matter in the bigger picture. People use it when someone is being overly precise or argumentative about wording, definitions, or minor points. It often suggests the discussion is becoming unproductive or unnecessarily technical.
Examples
- Let’s not split hairs over the exact wording; we all understand the main point.
- He tends to split hairs in every meeting, which slows down decisions.
- We’re splitting hairs about a one-dollar difference in the budget.
- Stop splitting hairs and tell me whether you can deliver it by Friday.
- The lawyer tried to split hairs about the meaning of the contract clause.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use it for physically dividing hair, but it is almost always a figurative idiom about arguing over tiny details.
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