摳字眼

Simplified: 抠字眼

kōuzìyǎn ㄎㄡ ㄗˋ ㄧㄢˇ

    • to be fastidious about phrasing, diction, or choice of words

Character by character

Saying俗语俗語

Idiom惯用语 · In everyday use

Literally
pick at the words
Meaning
To pick on faults in someone's wording, or to weigh each word carefully in speaking or writing. Often mildly critical, like 'nitpick'.

Sources