The phrase implies diligent searching, sometimes over time, not just casual looking.

Persistence Needed

'Ferret out' can be used metaphorically for non-physical search, like uncovering facts.

Metaphoric Use

Often used in journalism or research where information is hidden or not obvious.

In journalism, ferreting out implies objective fact-finding without personal bias.

Requires focused effort to reveal what is not willingly visible to the public.

The phrase can refer to finding something or someone in a physical hiding place.

Use it when the search effort is intense, like for a hidden person, not for something in plain sight.

Ferret out implies active participation rather than accidentally finding.