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."
ferret about
C1 informal intransitive
To search for something by looking or feeling around in a careful, persistent way, especially in hidden or cluttered places.
In plain English
To look around carefully for something, like searching through drawers or bags to find something hidden.
What does "ferret about" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move about like a ferret (a small burrowing animal), searching in tight spaces.
Actually means
To look around carefully for something, like searching through drawers or bags to find something hidden.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "ferret about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
drawer bag pocket cupboard files secrets
How to conjugate "ferret about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "ferret about" in the wild
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