split hairs

/splˈɪt hˈeəz/

/splˈɪt hˈɛɹz/

to split hairs

to highlight insignificant details or small distinctions between two things

Examples

1. This may seem like splitting hairs but the distinction could be important

2. I'm sorry to split hairs, but your portion of the bill is $25.97, not $25.79.

3. I actually think it was your responsibility, not Dave's, but let's not split hairs about it.

4. Really, that's like splitting hairs these days and it comes down to personal preference.