ferret about
C1 informal intransitive
In simple words
To look around carefully for something, like searching through drawers or bags to find something hidden.
Literal meaning: To move about like a ferret (a small burrowing animal), searching in tight spaces.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
informal
To search through a place or container by feeling and looking, typically for something small or hidden.
"She was ferreting about in her handbag, trying to find her keys."
2 C1
idiomatic
informal
To search for information or secrets in a persistent, prying way.
"The journalist was ferreting about in old company records, looking for evidence of fraud."
Usage notes
Primarily British English. The image comes from the ferret, a small animal used to hunt rabbits by going into narrow burrows. Often implies searching for something hidden or not easily found. Can suggest nosiness.
Commonly used with
drawer bag pocket cupboard files secrets
Forms
Base
ferret about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ferrets about
he/she/it
Past simple
ferreted about
yesterday
Past participle
ferreted about
have + pp
-ing form
ferreting about
continuous
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