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root around

B1 informal intransitive
In simple words

To dig through things looking for something, moving everything around to find it.

Literal meaning: To root (dig with a snout) in various directions — the animal imagery is the origin.

Meanings

1 B1 informal

To search through a place or objects by moving things around, especially in an energetic or disorganised way.

"He spent ten minutes rooting around in the garage before he found the spanner."

2 B2 idiomatic informal

To investigate or look for information in a thorough, possibly intrusive way.

"Journalists were rooting around in his personal finances looking for scandal."

Usage notes

Common in both American and British English, though 'root about' is preferred in British English. Used for humans and animals alike. Often implies a somewhat chaotic or messy search. Frequently followed by 'in' + location: 'root around in the cupboard'.

Commonly used with

drawer bag fridge cupboard pocket attic box files

Forms

Base
root around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
roots around
he/she/it
Past simple
rooted around
yesterday
Past participle
rooted around
have + pp
-ing form
rooting around
continuous

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