Hairsplitting (noun)

1. The act of making overly fine or petty distinctions.
2. The act of making distinctions which are not important, or are only relevant in a minor way.

Origin:

A term first used in the 16th century, likely from the physical action of splitting a hair into multiple strands.

Examples:

1. The lawyer's hairsplitting argument about the wording of the contract was not convincing.
2. His hairsplitting over the fine details of the plan was preventing progress from being made.
3. The debate devolved into a hairsplitting match over minor points and lost sight of the bigger picture.
4. He was criticized for his constant hairsplitting and inability to make a clear decision.
5. His hairsplitting argument made him look foolish in front of the jury.