ferret out

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Related Words

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