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]

---

Example Sentences

Such information can be hard enough to ferret out in democracies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

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

From Slate • Dec. 17, 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

"Ought to ferret out the mystery before we go. Whole thing's like a detective story. Positively thrilling."

From "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie

Related Words

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