Ferret out Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈfɛɹət/ /ˈaʊt

FAIR-it OWT

UK

fˈɛɹɪt/ /ˈaʊt

FERR-it OWT

Definition

To search hard for something that is hidden or difficult to find, especially information or the truth.

Usage & Nuances

"Ferret out" is informal and often used for discovering secrets, problems, or hidden information after persistent effort. Common in investigative, journalistic, or detective contexts. It always implies actively searching, not simply noticing.

• Spanish: descubrir - sacar a la luz - averiguar (tras buscar mucho)
• Portuguese (BR): descobrir - desvendar - arrancar (informação escondida)
• Portuguese (PT): descobrir - desvendar - desenterrar (informação)
• Chinese (Simplified): 查出 - 侦查出 - 揭露（通过努力搜寻）
• Chinese (Traditional): 查出 - 偵查出 - 揭露（經過努力搜尋）
• Hindi: खोज निकालना - ढूँढ निकालना
• Arabic: يكتشف - يستخرج (بعد بحث وجهد)
• Bengali: খুঁজে বের করা - উন্মোচন করা
• Russian: выискивать - разнюхивать
• Japanese: 突き止める - 探し出す
• Vietnamese: tìm ra - phát hiện ra
• Korean: 찾아내다 - 파헤치다
• Turkish: ortaya çıkarmak - bulup çıkarmak
• Urdu: کھوج نکالنا - تلاش کرنا
• Indonesian: tìm ra - phát hiện ra

Example Sentences

The detective will ferret out the truth.

basic

She tried to ferret out the answer to the puzzle.

basic

Can you ferret out the missing document?

basic

Reporters worked overnight to ferret out details about the scandal.

natural

If anyone can ferret out who's behind this, it's Maria.

natural

It took weeks to ferret out the real cause of the problem.

natural