sift out
Related to sift out: sift through
sift out
1. Literally, to use a sieve or a similar tool or method to remove small things from a larger substance. A noun or pronoun can be used between "sift" and "out." Be sure to use a sieve to sift out any lumps from the sugar before you add it to the mixture. People used to sift flecks of gold out of the soil in this river back in the late 1800s.
2. To isolate and remove something from some larger thing or group after or with careful examination. A noun or pronoun can be used between "sift" and "out." We have a very rigorous vetting process to sift unsuitable candidates out of the application pool. Our telephone operators are under huge pressure on a daily basis to sift out prank calls from legitimate ones.
See also: out, sift
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
sift out
v.
To separate some class, kind, or size from others with or as if with a sieve: The jeweler sifted out the larger gems. An insurance investigator sifts the honest claims out from the false ones.
See also: out, sift
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- piece out
- angle
- angling
- not do (someone or oneself) any favors
- involve with
- involve with (someone or something)
- involved with
- arch over
- arrange for some time
- arrange some music for