From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishferret somebody/something ↔ out phrasal verb1 FIND OUTto succeed in finding something such as a piece of information, that is difficult to find It’s been difficult for reporters to ferret out the facts in this case. Uncle Vernon ferreted out the laundry box from under the stairs.2 American English to find and usually get rid of someone who is causing a problem The new program is meant to ferret out problem cops. → ferret→ See Verb table
