draw (someone or something) out of (someone or something)
1. To elicit one to reveal or produce something, such as information or emotion. I swore my sister to secrecy, but I'm worried that Dad will be able to draw the story out of her. It's amazing how the director is able to consistently draw stellar performances out of her actors. That book managed to draw a lot of regret out of me.
2. To entice or manipulate someone or something to come out of hiding. I saw a feral cat back there earlier, and I hope this bowl of cat food will draw it out. Good luck drawing Kelly out of the waiting room now that she knows she's getting a shot. If your son's mad at you, don't try to draw him out of his room. Let him come to you.
draw out
1. To entice someone or something to come out of hiding. A noun or pronoun can be used between "draw" and "out." I set a bowl of cat food by the fence, with the hope of drawing out the feral cat I'd seen earlier. Good luck drawing Kelly out of the waiting room now that she knows she's getting a shot. If your son's mad at you, don't try to draw him out. He'll come out of his room eventually.
2. To elicit one to reveal or produce something, such as information or emotion. A noun or pronoun can be used between "draw" and "out." I swore my sister to secrecy, but I'm worried that dad will be able to draw the story out of her. It's amazing how the director is able to consistently draw out stellar performances from her actors. That book managed to draw out a lot of emotions that I had buried.
3. To extend something for a longer period than is or seems necessary. A noun or pronoun can be used between "draw" and "out." Just when I thought the professor couldn't draw out this lecture any more, he droned on about torts for another half hour. Ugh, of course they're going to draw this out with another commercial break. Come on, Mom, don't draw it out—just tell us who won the race!
4. To cause someone to speak or converse willingly. A noun or pronoun can be used between "draw" and "out." Meredith is so friendly that she draws quiet people out very easily. Does that lawyer honestly think he'll be able to draw the true story out of these uncooperative witnesses? She's three years old—of course you could draw a secret out of her in exchange for candy!
5. To remove something from something else. A noun or pronoun can be used between "draw" and "out." The doctor drew a tongue depressor out of the jar and told me to open my mouth. My mom used tweezers to draw the splinter out of my finger. Don't you dare draw any more cookies out of the cookie jar! You've had enough!
6. To cause something to move or flow out of something else. A noun or pronoun can be used between "draw" and "out." The salt helps draw the liquid out of the fabric so that it doesn't leave a stain. We need to create a vacuum in order to draw out the venom from the snake bite. We need professionals to draw out the floodwaters before they destroy our homes!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.