ferret somebody/something ↔ out phrasal verb ( see also ↑ ferret )
1 . 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.
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.