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

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

The fact that Duffy is wasting his time by making these threats and combing through awarded contracts to ferret out such putative violations is, however, a settled question: Of course he is.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 20, 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

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Related Words

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

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