winkle out
The phrase "winkle out" derives from the process of extracting a winkle (a type of small sea snail) from its shell, symbolizing the effort needed to extract something difficult to obtain.
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Definition
C1General
(informal, British)To extract or remove something with difficulty or effort.
Example
- He had to winkle out the truth from a very reluctant witness.
- It took hours to winkle out the old screws from the rusted hinges.
C1General
(informal, British)To discover or obtain information that is hidden or not easily accessible.
Example
- She managed to winkle out the details of the secret project.
- After much questioning, the journalist finally winkled out the real story.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "winkle out":
tease outwriggle out ofeke outweasel outsqueeze outnut outsuss outpick outsniff outrake outdig outcork outdraw outchisel outfish outwring outpull outroot outforce outstink outpoke outcrack outcave outsqueeze one outwhip outfished outpinch outleak out