sieve out
Definition
Verb: 1. To separate or remove something from a mixture by passing it through a sieve or by careful examination. This action involves filtering out unwanted parts or selecting specific items from a group.
Usage
The verb "sieve out" is used to describe the process of separation, either physically (using a sieve) or metaphorically (through careful selection). It implies a deliberate action to isolate specific elements from a larger, mixed whole.
Examples
- (Physical separation using a tool)
- (Metaphorical separation through evaluation)
- (Metaphorical separation of information)
Advanced Usage
- "to sieve [something] out of [something else]": This structure specifies both the item being removed and the source mixture.
- The geologist sieved the gold particles out of the river sediment.
Variants and Related Words
- Sieve (n): A tool with a mesh used for separating fine from coarse particles.
- Sift (v): A close synonym meaning to separate and remove, often used interchangeably with "sieve out" in both literal and figurative contexts.
- Sift the flour. Sift through the evidence.
Synonyms
- Filter out: To remove by passing through a filter.
- Separate: To set or keep apart.
- Screen out: To examine and remove unsuitable items.
- Winnow (out): To remove (chaff) from grain by blowing air; figuratively, to find valuable elements within a mass.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Pick out: To choose or select from a group.
- Sort out: To organize by separating into categories.
- Weed out: To remove inferior or unwanted elements (often used for people or problems).
Verb
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separate or remove
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The customer picked over the selection
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