flush out
Either wash something clean with lots of water, or force someone hiding to come out.
Meanings
To clean or clear something by pushing water or liquid through it.
"You should flush out the water pipes before drinking from them after a long holiday."
To force a person, animal, or thing out of a hiding place or concealed position.
"The soldiers flushed out the remaining enemy fighters from the abandoned building."
"We've got to flush out the terrorists before they strike again."
— George W. Bush, post-9/11 press remarks, 2001 (widely reported paraphrase)
To bring hidden information, problems, or facts to light.
"The investigation was designed to flush out any corruption within the department."
To remove toxins or impurities from the body by consuming large amounts of liquid.
"Drink plenty of water to flush out any toxins after the infection."
Has both a literal (cleaning/rinsing) and a figurative (forcing out of hiding) sense. The figurative sense is common in military, police, journalistic, and political language. In medical contexts, 'flush out' refers to clearing toxins from the body by drinking fluids.
Commonly used with
Forms
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