Ferret out

verb

To find and bring to light by searching.

The detective managed to ferret out the truth
Visual representation of "ferret out" - To find and bring to light by searching

Often appears as...

  • ferret out the truth
  • ferret out a secret
verb

To search out and bring to public view.

The journalist managed to ferret out the details of the scandal.
Visual representation of "ferret out" - To search out and bring to public view

Often appears as...

  • ferret out the details
  • ferret out corruption

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

verb

To drive out of hiding.

The police managed to ferret out the hiding criminal
Visual representation of "ferret out" - To drive out of hiding

Often appears as...

  • ferret out the hiding
  • ferret out the fugitive
verb

To find and bring to light by searching.

The detective managed to ferret out the truth
Visual representation of "ferret out" - To find and bring to light by searching

Often appears as...

  • ferret out the truth
  • ferret out a secret
verb

To search out and bring to public view.

The journalist managed to ferret out the details of the scandal.
Visual representation of "ferret out" - To search out and bring to public view

Often appears as...

  • ferret out the details
  • ferret out corruption

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

verb

To drive out of hiding.

The police managed to ferret out the hiding criminal
Visual representation of "ferret out" - To drive out of hiding

Often appears as...

  • ferret out the hiding
  • ferret out the fugitive
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "ferret out"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Persistence Needed

The phrase implies diligent searching, sometimes over time, not just casual looking.

Illustration for Persistence Needed
She had to ferret out the old receipts from piles of documents for hours.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Metaphoric Use

'Ferret out' can be used metaphorically for non-physical search, like uncovering facts.

Illustration for Metaphoric Use
He was determined to ferret out the origins of the rumor.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Persistence Needed

The phrase implies diligent searching, sometimes over time, not just casual looking.

Illustration for Persistence Needed
She had to ferret out the old receipts from piles of documents for hours.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Metaphoric Use

'Ferret out' can be used metaphorically for non-physical search, like uncovering facts.

Illustration for Metaphoric Use
He was determined to ferret out the origins of the rumor.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Persistence Needed

The phrase implies diligent searching, sometimes over time, not just casual looking.

Illustration for Persistence Needed
She had to ferret out the old receipts from piles of documents for hours.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Metaphoric Use

'Ferret out' can be used metaphorically for non-physical search, like uncovering facts.

Illustration for Metaphoric Use
He was determined to ferret out the origins of the rumor.
Visual representation of the word "Ferret out"

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