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ferret2 [intransitive]
1 [always + adverb/preposition] informal to search for something that is lost or hidden among a lot of things or inside a drawer, box etc
2 to hunt rats and rabbits using a ferret
ferret somebody/something ↔ out
phrasal verb1 to 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.
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.
The new program is meant to ferret out problem cops.
