[pick] holes in {sth}
1
to find the flaws and weaknesses of something, like a plan, action, or idea
The origin of the idiom "pick holes in something" is unclear, but it may have originated from the practice of examining cloth for defects by holding it up to the light and looking for small holes or imperfections. Over time, the phrase came to be used more broadly to describe any situation where someone is overly critical or nit-picky in their evaluation of something.
- The editor picked holes in the manuscript, pointing out every mistake and inconsistency.
- The teacher picked holes in the student's essay, criticizing every minor error and omission.