All 3 Uses
ferret out
in
Unwind, by Shusterman
(Edited)
- He wasn't supposed to find out, but Connor has always been good at ferreting out secrets.
p. 6.1 *ferreting out = discovering through persistent investigation
- And someone to ferret out the wolf in the herd.
p. 218.7ferret out = search for and discover through persistent investigation
- Perhaps the Admiral's looking for someone else to help him ferret out the killer.
p. 221.6
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)