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

The online service Grammarly originated in 2009 as a suite of tools to help ferret out plagiarism in schoolwork or help students hone their grammar and spelling.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 17, 2026

Paul McCartney emerged from the wreckage of the Fab Four in 1970, eager to ferret out a fresh sound.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 27, 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

Before, when Enrique told her he was clean, she could ferret out the truth for herself.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario

Related Words

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