into detail: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘into detail’ mean?

The idiom "into detail" means to thoroughly analyze or examine something, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Idiom Explorer

Cracking the Code: Unpacking "Into Detail"

The idiom "into detail" is used to describe the act of discussing or examining something thoroughly and with great attention to specifics. This idiom is a combination of the preposition "into," indicating movement or direction towards something, and the noun "detail," which refers to the individual parts or aspects that make up a whole.

"Into detail" implies delving deeply into the finer points and intricacies of a subject. It signifies a thorough and meticulous examination or discussion of a subject, leaving no aspect unexplored. This expression is frequently used in fields that require a meticulous approach, such as scientific research, legal arguments, technical reports, or investigative journalism.

When someone says they are "going into detail," they express an intention to provide a more in-depth explanation or analysis of a subject. It implies a willingness to explore the nuances and intricacies of a topic, offering a deeper understanding. This idiom can also imply a sense of thoroughness and completeness, as if all relevant aspects and angles are being considered.

However, it is important to note that "into detail" is not always used in a positive context. In some cases, it can be seen as a form of excessive or unnecessary elaboration, particularly when brevity or conciseness is expected. The idiom can also suggest a tendency to focus on minutiae at the expense of broader or more critical issues.

The idiom "in detail" is closely related to "into detail." Both idioms convey the idea of examining or discussing something thoroughly. "In detail" is often used when someone wants to provide a comprehensive account of a subject, covering all important aspects and leaving no significant detail unmentioned.

The skilled writer published in-depth essays categorising single-word tags.

When someone says they are going to discuss something "in detail," they are emphasizing their intention to cover all the important points and provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. This idiom suggests a thoroughness and completeness in presenting information.

The idiom "in detail" is commonly used in various contexts, such as academic papers, technical reports, project documentation, or legal arguments. It indicates a desire to explore every aspect and provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

The idiom "deep dive" is another related expression to "into detail" and "in detail." It carries a similar meaning of delving deeply into a subject, investigating or analyzing it thoroughly. A "deep dive" implies a more intensive and extensive examination of a topic.

When someone says they are going to take a "deep dive" into a subject, they indicate that they are going to explore it in depth, leaving no stone unturned. This idiom suggests a commitment to exploring the topic thoroughly and gaining a comprehensive understanding of it.

The phrase "deep dive" is often used in professional contexts, such as business analysis, market research, or investigative reporting. It implies a more extensive and intensive examination of a subject than merely going "into detail" or discussing something "in detail."

The idioms "into detail," "in detail," and "deep dive" all convey the notion of thoroughly examining or discussing a subject. These idioms emphasize a commitment to exploring all aspects of a topic, leaving no detail unnoticed. They are frequently used in formal or technical contexts where meticulous analysis and comprehensive understanding are valued.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "into detail" can be used in a sentence:

  1. She went into detail about her weekend trip and explained every activity she did.
  2. The detective asked the witness to go into detail about what they saw at the crime scene.
  3. During the meeting, the project manager went into detail about the upcoming tasks and deadlines.

More "Detail" idioms

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