ferret out

Idioms  

1. Uncover and bring to light by searching, as in Sandy was a superb reporter, tireless in ferreting out whatever facts were needed for her story. This expression alludes to hunting with ferrets, weasel-like animals formerly used to drive rabbits out of their burrows. [c. 1600]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ferret out

They’re all law-abiding people, and this directive ostensibly aims to ferret out terrorists and criminals.

From Slate ● Dec. 17, 2025

The modern discipline of psychology would ferret out the private motives of regular and refined collectors alike.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 24, 2025

We will ferret out students who protest against my policies.

From Salon ● Oct. 18, 2025

The controversy prompted a more broadly-based movement to ferret out other Vietnamese celebrities suspected of conspiring against the country.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 8, 2025

“Faithless creature,” Oriana says, looking at me as though through the sheer intensity of her gaze she might ferret out my secrets.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

Related Words

• ascertain
• bring to light
• drive out
• get at
• sniff out
• uncover
• unearth