1 C1 idiomatic informal
To search through a place or among objects in a thorough, persistent way.
"He was ferreting around in the attic, looking for his old school photos."
ferret around
C1 informal intransitive
To search persistently through a place or among information, often for something hidden or hard to find.
In plain English
To look carefully through things, moving them around to try to find something.
What does "ferret around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To investigate or search for hidden information in a persistent, inquisitive way.
"Detectives were ferreting around for clues in the suspect's financial records."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move around like a ferret searching in burrows.
Actually means
To look carefully through things, moving them around to try to find something.
Usage tip
Used in both British and American English, though more frequent in British. The metaphor comes from a ferret hunting through burrows. Can imply nosiness or investigative persistence. Often followed by 'in' or 'for'.
Words that pair with "ferret around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
drawers records information files archive cupboard
How to conjugate "ferret around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
ferret around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ferrets around
he/she/it
Past simple
ferreted around
yesterday
Past participle
ferreted around
have + pp
-ing form
ferreting around
continuous
Hear "ferret around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "ferret around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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