# ferret out

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ferret-out
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to find something that is hidden or difficult to discover by searching very carefully.

For teachers: to discover or bring to light something through persistent and diligent searching; often used when the information or object is intentionally concealed.

## Examples

- The journalist tried to ferret out the truth about the scandal.
- It took the investigators several months to ferret out the evidence needed to prove the fraud.
- Historians spent years in the national archives attempting to ferret out the original correspondence between the two diplomats.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She ferreted the secret out." but "She ferreted out the secret." — while technically separable, 'ferret out' is almost always used in its joined form before the object in modern English.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by an object like 'the truth', 'information', or 'facts'.
- Teaching tip: anchor the meaning by explaining that ferrets are small animals used to hunt and drive rabbits out of their holes; this helps learners visualize the 'searching and pulling out' action.

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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.