root out

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to remove or eliminate completely

   we must root out inefficiency

Idioms and Phrases

Search for, seek to discover, as in He was trying to root out the reason for her long absence. This idiom alludes to the way hogs dig by using their snouts. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

The Metropolitan Police says it is using an "Al Capone" approach to root out misconduct by its own officers.

From BBC

"In addition, we are scrutinising more widely the leadership and culture within these teams, led by Professional Standards and senior leaders, to root out any further failings," Mr Twist said.

From BBC

The department of labour, which was part of the raid in 2019, also welcomed the sentence handed down as it urged for greater collaboration between government departments to "root out all these issues".

From BBC

Speaking to MPs, he also said he was "not letting anything lie" when it came to rooting out abuses of power within the corporation.

From BBC

He added that the immigration service was committed to "implementing policies" that "root out anti-Americanism".

From BBC

Related Words

• bore 
• bulldoze 
• burrow 
• clean 
• discover 
• dredge 
• drill 
• enter 
• excavate 
• exhume 
• go into 
• gouge 
• harvest 
• penetrate 
• scoop 
• search 
• shovel 
• sift 
• uncover 
• unearth