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

In the year or so since Colombia Rural Vital introduced its initiative in Orito, she had become a medical detective of sorts, traveling from village to village, cultivating sources and ferreting out unreported deaths.

From New York Times

Hacking and ferreting out leaks can sometimes involve social engineering, manipulating people rather than the technical tools they use.

From The Verge

But now threats have given way to bullets in the heads of searchers who have proved far better than the authorities at ferreting out the clandestine burial and burning pits that number in the thousands.

From Seattle Times

U.S. military officials have said America’s ability to ferret out terrorist threats in Afghanistan and respond will be reduced after the final troops have withdrawn.

From Seattle Times

And a commitment must be secured from the U.S. attorney’s office for a transparent review of all closed firearms cases to ferret out the extent of the problems.

From Washington Post

Related Words

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