ferret out

/ˈfɛrət aʊt/
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To find something hidden by searching persistently.

Examples

  • She ferreted out the source of the leak.
  • Can the audit ferret out the hidden payments?
  • Reporters ferreted out the missing records.
  • The team ferreted every last error out of the files.
  • He spent weeks ferreting out the truth.

Similar words

track down
dig up
root out
unearth

Meanings

Discover after careful searching

search
neutral
To uncover information or an object that was hard to find, often through patient investigation.

Examples

  • Reporters ferreted out the missing records.
  • She ferreted out the source of the leak.
  • Can the audit ferret out the hidden payments?
  • He spent weeks ferreting out the truth.
  • The team ferreted every last error out of the files.

Similar words

Etymology

Ferrets were used to drive small animals from hiding. Out marks the discovery, and the animal hunt supplies the image behind the phrase.

FAQ

What does ferret out mean?

To ferret out is to find something hidden after determined searching.

When is ferret out used?

It often refers to facts, records, errors, or a secret source.

How does ferret out differ from find?

Find says only that something was discovered, while ferret out stresses the effort.

How is ferret out used in a sentence?

Reporters ferreted out the missing records.

Is ferret out formal?

The object can come after out or between ferret and out.

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