rat through
C1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To dig around through a pile of things looking for something — like a rat rummaging around.
Literal meaning: Moving through something the way a rat does — quickly, intrusively, and without order.
Meanings
1 C1 informal
To search quickly and untidily through a collection of items.
"He was ratting through the kitchen drawers looking for a pen."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
'Rat through' is not widely recorded in standard dictionaries and is rare in everyday use. Where it does appear, it describes quick, untidy searching. More established alternatives include 'rummage through,' 'rifle through,' or 'root through.' The image is of a rat scurrying and rummaging.
Commonly used with
bags drawers pockets papers belongings
Forms
Base
rat through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rats through
he/she/it
Past simple
rated through
yesterday
Past participle
rated through
have + pp
-ing form
rating through
continuous
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