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.
Examples
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).
Sense 2
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).
Common questions
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.