1 C1 idiomatic informal
To obtain information from someone who is reluctant to give it, by persistent or clever questioning.
"It took the journalist three interviews to winkle out the full story."
separable
winkle out
C1 informal separable transitive
To extract something or someone with difficulty, especially information from an unwilling person or a person from a secure place.
In plain English
To get something out of a difficult place or person by working hard at it.
What does "winkle out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To force or manoeuvre someone out of a position, job, or place they are reluctant to leave.
"The new manager was hired specifically to winkle out the underperforming staff."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To pick a winkle (shellfish) out of its shell with a pin — vividly captures the idea of laborious, pointed extraction.
Actually means
To get something out of a difficult place or person by working hard at it.
Usage tip
Chiefly British English. Named after the action of extracting a winkle (small sea snail) from its shell with a pin. Used for getting secrets, confessions, or facts from a reluctant person, or for forcing someone out of a comfortable position.
Words that pair with "winkle out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
information secret truth confession incumbent detail
How to conjugate "winkle out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
winkle out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
winkles out
he/she/it
Past simple
winkled out
yesterday
Past participle
winkled out
have + pp
-ing form
winkling out
continuous
Hear "winkle out" in the wild
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