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Detective work Meaning in English

expression

dɪˈtɛktɪv/ /ˈwɝk
di-TEK-tiv WURK
dɪtˈɛktɪv/ /wˈɜːk
di-TEK-tiv WURK

Definition

Serious investigation and searching done to find information, often like a detective. People use it for both police work and situations where someone is looking for clues or answers.

Usage & Nuances

Used literally for police or private investigations, and figuratively for everyday problem-solving. Common collocation: 'do some detective work'. Often informal, and used to compliment someone's ability to find out information.

Example Sentences

He did some detective work to find his lost wallet.

basic

Good detective work helped solve the mystery.

basic

She used detective work to learn who sent the gift.

basic

It took a bit of detective work, but I finally tracked down the recipe.

natural

Doing some detective work online, he found out which company called him.

natural

Thanks to your detective work, we know exactly what happened.

natural