Idiom
To Split Hairs: Origin and Meaning
Meaning
to argue about a very small, unimportant detail. We often use this expression in the negative, such as ‘let’s not split hairs’. In this sense we mean, ‘let’s not argue about small things’.
Origin
Different versions of this idiom have been used since the 1600’s. The exact origin of this idiom is not known but it could be linked to how difficult it would be to ‘split’ or divide a hair. Also, doing this would be pointless! Why would we split a hair! From this, it seems that splitting hairs would be difficult and pointless so we use this expression to mean arguing about small and meaningless details. In the past, other versions of this idiom have included ‘to cut a hair’ and ‘it’s hard to split the hair.’ We only use ‘to split hairs’ now though. Try to use this the next time you have an argument with someone you think is being unreasonable – it works very well!
Different versions of this idiom have been used since the 1600’s. The exact origin of this idiom is not known but it could be linked to how difficult it would be to ‘split’ or divide a hair. Also, doing this would be pointless! Why would we split a hair! From this, it seems that splitting hairs would be difficult and pointless so we use this expression to mean arguing about small and meaningless details. In the past, other versions of this idiom have included ‘to cut a hair’ and ‘it’s hard to split the hair.’ We only use ‘to split hairs’ now though. Try to use this the next time you have an argument with someone you think is being unreasonable – it works very well!
Examples
1. You are being unreasonable! Don’t split hairs!
2. ‘Let’s not split hairs’ said Sarah, I don’t want to argue.
3. I don’t want to split hairs but you owe me £35.00 – not £30.00! Can I have the extra £5 please?
2. ‘Let’s not split hairs’ said Sarah, I don’t want to argue.
3. I don’t want to split hairs but you owe me £35.00 – not £30.00! Can I have the extra £5 please?
