wring from
Definition
Verb Phrase: - To obtain something, especially information, money, or a concession, from someone with great difficulty, effort, or coercion. It implies the source is reluctant to give it.
Usage
This phrasal verb is transitive and requires an object (the thing obtained) and is followed by the preposition "from" and its object (the source). It is often used in contexts involving pressure, persistence, or forceful negotiation.
Examples
- The detective finally wrung a confession from the suspect after hours of intense questioning.
- They managed to wring a substantial donation from the wealthy businessman.
- It was impossible to wring any sympathy from her; she remained utterly unmoved.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: Can be applied to abstract concepts, not just people.
- Passive Voice: Commonly used to emphasize the difficulty experienced by the source.
Variants and Related Words
- Wring (Verb): To twist and squeeze, especially to extract liquid. Forms the core meaning of forceful extraction.
- Wringer (Noun): A device for wringing water from wet clothes; used idiomatically in "go through the wringer" meaning to endure a difficult experience.
- Extract from: A close synonym, though "wring from" emphasizes more struggle and reluctance.
Synonyms
- Extract from
- Force from
- Coerce from
- Elicit (suggests skill in drawing out, with less inherent force than "wring")
Notes on Meaning
The phrase carries a strong connotation of the action being laborious, unpleasant, or achieved against the will of the source. It is not used for simple, voluntary giving.
Verb
-
get or cause to become in a difficult or laborious manner
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