English · Phrasal verb Attested

winkle out

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To acquire with difficulty, as by thorough scrutiny.

Tom managed to winkle the truth out of John eventually.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To get (something or someone) out of an entrenched position.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

What does “winkle out” mean?

To acquire with difficulty, as by thorough scrutiny.

Is “winkle out” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.

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