Meaning & use
jot and tittle
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Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
the smallest possible detail of a rule, law, or piece of writing
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase, often after 'every' or in the phrase 'not one jot or tittle'.
Patterns
- every jot and tittle
- not one jot or tittle
- without missing a jot or tittle
The contract was checked, every jot and tittle, before it was signed.
She follows the old traditions down to the last jot and tittle.
He changed the law, and not one jot or tittle of the original wording remained.
Common combinations
- every jot and tittle
- The editor went through the manuscript, checking every jot and tittle.
- not one jot or tittle
- The new version does not change one jot or tittle of the original agreement.
- down to the last jot and tittle
- He knows the regulations down to the last jot and tittle.
- without missing a jot or tittle
- She repeated the speech without missing a jot or tittle.
Synonyms and how they differ
- detail
- A general word for a small fact or feature; 'jot and tittle' is much stronger and means the very smallest point, often in a legal or religious text.
- particular
- Often used in the plural ('particulars') for specific items of information; 'jot and tittle' suggests extremely minor points that most people would ignore.
- fine print
- Refers to the small, often important details in a contract; 'jot and tittle' is about every tiny detail, not just the printed small text.
Commonly confused: jot and tittle or jot? jot and tittle or tittle?
jot and tittle vs jot
'Jot' alone means a very small amount ('not a jot of evidence'), while 'jot and tittle' is a fixed phrase meaning every tiny detail.
jot and tittle vs tittle
'Tittle' is a small mark in writing, such as the dot over the letter i. It is rarely used alone; the pair 'jot and tittle' is the common expression.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'jot and tittle' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Jot and tittle' is a fixed phrase meaning every small detail, so 'checking every jot and tittle' fits. The other options treat it as a verb or as a countable noun, which is not how the phrase is used.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “jot and tittle”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.