sieve
n. countable C2 Proficiency US //ˈsɪv// UK //sˈɪv// sieve
n. a tool with a mesh bottom used for separating small pieces from a liquid or powder.
n. a utensil with a meshed bottom used for straining or sifting; figuratively, a person or process that filters out specific elements from a larger group.
She used a sieve to drain the pasta after it was cooked.
The manager acts as a sieve, filtering out every minor complaint before it reaches the board of directors.
In a crowded market, the most effective marketing strategies serve as a sieve, identifying the most qualified leads while filtering out those with no genuine interest in the product.