← All phrases

splitting hairs

IdiomLevel B2

Arguing about a tiny difference that is not important.

Whether we meet at 5:00 or 5:05 is splitting hairs.

'Split hairs' means to argue about a very small, unimportant difference.

Comic strip. Diego: You said 'big', but it's really 'huge'! Mei: Diego, big, huge... it's the same pizza! Steventeacher: You two are splitting hairs. Diego: Splitting hairs? Over a pizza? Yes, sorry.
Steventeacher explains “splitting hairs”.
Your turn
When do you split hairs: grammar, food or time?

More idioms

breathing down your neckIdiom · B2

Watching someone very closely, so they feel pressure.

claim to fameIdiom · B2

The one interesting or impressive thing a person or place is known for.

drop the ballIdiom · B2

To make a mistake by forgetting or failing to do something you should do.