Hair-splitting

Hair-splitting refers to the act of making excessively fine, trivial, or petty distinctions, especially in arguments or discussions. It involves focusing on minute details and nuances to an extent that obscures the main point or impedes progress. A hair-splitting argument often prioritizes technical correctness or semantic precision over practical relevance or common understanding. It can be employed to derail conversations, avoid responsibility, or showcase intellectual superiority, frequently frustrating those seeking meaningful resolution or constructive dialogue. It generally implies an attempt to obfuscate rather than clarify, leading to unproductive debates about inconsequential matters.

Hair-splitting meaning with examples

• Instead of addressing the budget shortfall, the committee engaged in endless hair-splitting over the precise wording of the expenditure report, delaying any meaningful action.
• The professor's hair-splitting analysis of the poem, while intellectually stimulating, failed to connect with the students, who struggled to grasp its core themes due to the hyper-focus on minor details.
• Their negotiation stalled because one side kept indulging in hair-splitting, arguing about minuscule differences in contract language instead of addressing the crucial issues of price and delivery timelines.
• He accused the journalist of hair-splitting when she pressed him on the exact definition of 'economic recovery,' claiming her questions were designed to mislead the public with semantics.