ferret out (redirected from ferret)

ferret something out (from something)

Fig. to fetch something out from something. We will have to ferret the mouse out from behind the stove. We can ferret out the mouse with the aid of the cat.

See also: out

ferret something out (of someone or something) and ferret something out

Fig. to get, remove, or retrieve something from someone or something, usually with cunning and persistence. I tried very hard, but I couldn't ferret the information out of the clerk. I had to ferret out the answers one by one.

See also: out

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ferret out something also ferret something out

to discover something after careful searching Officials say they will ferret out abuses in the welfare program. If you're looking for owners of abandoned property, it can take years to ferret them out.

See also: out