figurative. To separate, search out; to analyse; to elicit, ‘tease out’.

transitive. To ascertain (the facts of a matter, etc.); to make out, discern gather (sense, meaning, etc.).

figurative. To examine by sifting; to search and try. to bolt out: to find out, or separate by sifting.

figurative. To find out, get to know, by a process of elimination or close inquiry.

transitive. To elicit (information, etc.) out of a person by persistent effort.

To sift (a matter); to examine closely.

transitive. To find out or obtain information on by close examination or investigation.

transitive. To burrow or form holes in, as a mole does; to bring out by burrowing or delving. Chiefly figurative. Also intransitive with for.

trans. to winkle out: to extract or eject (as a winkle from its shell with a pin); to draw forth, find out or elicit.