Both Uses
ferret out
in
And Then There Were None
(Edited)
- Ought to ferret out the mystery before we go.
p. 74.1ferret out = discover through persistent investigation
- This island's more or less a bare rock. We shall make short work of searching it. We'll soon ferret out U. N. Owen, Esq.
p. 119.2 *ferret out = search and discover through persistent investigation
Definitions:
-
(1)
(ferret out) search for and discover through persistent investigationThe term originates from the practice of humans using ferrets (weasel-like mammals) to help hunt. For example, a ferret could chase a rabbit from its hole.
- (2) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)