search

go out in search of someone or something

to leave to find someone or something. I went out in search of someone to help me. Mary went out in search of Gloria.

See also: out

go over something with a fine-tooth comb and search something with a fine-tooth comb; go through something with a fine-tooth comb

Fig. to search through something very carefully. I can't find my calculus book. I went over the whole place with a fine-tooth comb. I searched this place with a fine-tooth comb and didn't find my ring.

See also: comb

hunt high and low (for someone or something) and look high and low (for someone or something); search high and low (for someone or something)

Fig. to look carefully in every possible place for someone or something. We looked high and low for the right teacher. The Smiths are searching high and low for the home of their dreams.

See also: and, high, hunt, low

in quest of someone or something and in search of someone or something

seeking or hunting something; trying to find something. They went into town in quest of a reasonably priced restaurant. Monday morning I'll go out in search of a job.

See also: quest

search someone or something out

to seek and find someone or something. I will search Fred out. I know he's here somewhere. We have to search out the key to the safe-deposit box.

See also: out

search someone for something

to feel, touch, pat, frisk, or examine electronically a person's body, looking for something hidden underneath the clothes. The police searched the suspect for hidden weapons. The airport guard used an electronic instrument to search the passengers for weapons.

search something for someone or something

to examine something, looking for someone or something. Everyone searched the house for little Wally, but he was not to be found. I searched all my coat pockets for the note, but I didn't find it.

search after someone or something

to look for someone or something. (Perhaps over a long period of time.) We searched after a suitable candidate for weeks. I am searching after a part for my '57 Chevy.

See also: after

search for someone or something

to look very hard for someone or something. I searched for Ted everywhere, but he was already gone. I have searched for my glasses high and low.

Search me.

Inf. I do not know.; You can search my clothing and my person, but you won't find the answer to your question anywhere near me. (The two words have equal stress.) Jane: What time does Mary's flight get in? Sally: Search me. John: What kind of paint should I use on this fence? Bill: Search me.

search through something

to examine all the things found in something. I searched through my books for the answer. My drawers were searched through thoroughly.

See also: through

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hunt/search high and low

to search everywhere for something (usually + for ) I've been hunting high and low for the certificate, but I still haven't found it.

See also: and, high, hunt, low

Search me!  (informal)

something that you say when you do not know the answer to a question 'Where's Jack gone?' 'Search me!'

See hunt high and low

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go over something with a fine-tooth comb also go through something with a fine-tooth comb

to examine every part of something very carefully My accountant is going over my tax return with a fine-tooth comb.

Usage notes: also used in the form fine-toothed comb

See also: comb

search high and low (for something)

to try very hard to find something look high and low (for something) Janet searched high and low, but she couldn't find the kitten and finally had to ask the man.

See also: and, high, low