PhrasesHub

Jot or tittle

    Definitions

      • pay attention to small details
        Emphasize the importance of being meticulous and thorough in one's work, particularly in regards to small or seemingly insignificant details

      • complete accuracy
        Stress the need for absolute precision and correctness, particularly in written or legal documents

    Examples of Jot or tittle

    • The essay received a perfect score despite a few grammatical errors that were merely jots and tittles.

      This example demonstrates the use of "jot or tittle" to describe minor details, such as spelling or grammar errors, that do not significantly affect the overall quality of the essay.

    • The team knew that they had won the game because the scoreboard showed a clear victory, with no jots or tittles in doubt.

      Here, "jot or tittle" is used to describe small discrepancies or doubts in the result, such as a close score or a dubious decision, that would not change the final outcome.

    • The artist meticulously painted every jot and tittle in the intricate design, ensuring that none were left out.

      This example shows how "jot or tittle" can be used to describe small details that are essential to a larger design or project, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail.

    • The lawyer argued that the accused's confession was invalid because one crucial jot or tittle was missing from the legal document.

      In this example, "jot or tittle" is used to describe a minor detail that is crucial to the legal document's validity, highlighting the significance of precise language and procedures in legal matters.In each of these examples, "jot or tittle" is used to convey the importance or insignificance of minor details in a variety of contexts, including academics, sports, art, and law.

    • The attorney paid meticulous attention to the legal documents, making sure not to overlook even the slightest jot or tittle.

      This example uses the idiom "jot or tittle" to mean the smallest detail or aspect of something. In this case, the attorney is ensuring that no minor detail is overlooked in the legal documents.

    • During the construction phase, the architect instructed the workers to follow the plans exactly, not omitting any jot or tittle.

      Here, "jot or tittle" is used to mean that all of the specific details and aspects of the architect's plans should be followed precisely during the construction process.

    • The teacher insisted that all spelling words be memorized, not neglecting even the smallest jot or tittle.

      The idiom "jot or tittle" is used to mean that the student should learn all of the small details and intricacies of each spelling word, rather than just the main components.

    • The athlete's coach drilled the mechanics of his form, ensuring that he didn't miss any jot or tittle of proper technique.

      Here, "jot or tittle" refers to the smallest and most specific details of proper athletic form or technique. The coach is emphasizing that the athlete should pay attention to every detail, no matter how small, in order to improve his performance.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "jot or tittle" is often used to convey the importance of paying attention to small details and achieving complete accuracy. It serves as a reminder to be meticulous and thorough in one's work, particularly in regards to small or seemingly insignificant details. Whether in writing, legal documents, or any other aspect of life, the idiom emphasizes the need for absolute precision and correctness.

    Origin of "Jot or tittle"

    The phrase "jot or tittle" originates from the Bible, specifically the New Testament, in the book of Matthew. In Matthew 5:18, it is written, "For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." The word "jot" refers to the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, while "tittle" refers to a small stroke or mark used to distinguish certain letters. This passage emphasizes the importance of every small detail in the law and the need for complete accuracy.

    Over time, the idiom "jot or tittle" has come to be used in a more general sense, to convey the importance of paying attention to small details and achieving complete accuracy in various aspects of life. It has become a common phrase in English language to stress the need for meticulousness and precision.