sift out of
sift (something) out of (something else)
1. Literally, to use a sieve or a similar tool or method to remove small things from a larger substance. Be sure to use a sieve to sift any lumps out of the sugar before you add it to the mixture. People used to sift flecks of gold out of the soil in this river way back in the late 1800s.
2. To isolate and remove something from some larger thing or group after or by careful examination. We have a very rigorous application process to sift unsuitable candidates out of the pool of applicants. The therapy is intended to help patients sift persistent negative or anxious thoughts out of their daily consciousness.
See also: of, out, sift
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
sift something out of something
and sift something outto get rid of something in something else by sifting. Dan sifted the impurities out of the flour. Walter sifted out the foreign matter.
See also: of, out, sift
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- sift
- sift (something) from (something else)
- sift (something) out of (something else)
- sift from
- sift out
- sift through
- strain through
- strain through (something)
- rake through
- rake through (something)