root out
To find something bad that is hiding and get rid of it completely.
Meanings
To find and eliminate something harmful or unwanted that is hidden or deeply embedded in a system.
"The new director promised to root out corruption throughout the entire organisation."
To find something by searching thoroughly, often among a collection of things.
"He managed to root out an old photograph from the bottom of the box."
To remove a plant completely by pulling it up from its roots.
"We spent the afternoon rooting out the brambles that had spread across the garden."
Common in political, organisational, and investigative contexts. The image is of digging up a plant by its roots so it cannot regrow — implying thorough, complete removal. Also used for physically removing a plant by its roots (the literal sense). Frequently followed by 'corruption', 'terrorism', 'inefficiency'.
Commonly used with
Forms
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