What are the definitions of “winkle out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Find or get something that takes a great deal of effort.
It took me a while to WINKLE the truth OUT of him.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “winkle out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb winkle out is to find or get something that takes a great deal of effort, often involving persistence or cleverness. It is often used when trying to obtain information or secrets from someone.
What are the different verb forms of “winkle out”?
| Root Verb | winkle out |
| Third Person Singular Present | winkles out |
| Present Participle | winkling out |
| Simple Past | winkled out |
| Past Participle | winkled out |
Example
She managed to winkle out the secret from her friend.
Example
He winkles out the truth from the suspect.
Example
The detective is winkling out the hidden information.
Example
They winkled out the hidden treasure after a long search.
Example
The hidden details were winkled out by the investigator.
What kind of phrasal verb is “winkle out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“winkle out” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She winkled out the secret from her friend.
Example
He winkled the truth out of the suspect.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“winkle out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She winkled out the secret from her friend.
Example
He winkled the truth out of the suspect.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “winkle out”?
To obtain information or secrets from someone, often through persistence or cleverness.
Example
The journalist managed to winkle out information about the scandal.
Good things to know
Does “winkle out” have an informal or formal tone?
Winkle out is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations or informal writing. It is not commonly used in formal settings or formal writing.
