# weed out

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/weed-out
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To remove (unwanted elements) from a group.

## Examples

- The manager will weed out the weakest candidates.
- After the first round of interviews, the HR team weeded out anyone without the right experience.
- Over the centuries, natural selection had slowly weeded out the less adaptable species, leaving only those hardy enough to survive the harsh winters.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.