sift out

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sift out (third-person singular simple present sifts out, present participle sifting out, simple past and past participle sifted out)

1. (idiomatic) To isolate or identify one particular thing from a collection that includes less relevant things.
   • 1997, Valerie Cruice, When Do I Clap?: A Slightly Irreverent Guide to Classical Music and Concert Hall Conduct, →ISBN, page 129:

     So in the waning days of the 20th Century, concert programmers and ticket-buyers alike have become informed and careful about what to sell and what to buy; to sift out the good new music from the not-so-good.

   • 2005, Timothy Zahn, Night Train to Rigel, →ISBN, page 159:

     Besides, a little judicious eavesdropping might sift out a useful nugget or two.

   • 2006, Vernon Ruland, Living Out the Questions: A Jesuit Confession, →ISBN, page 125:

     The unfolding narrative often exposes a disciple's uneven progress, striving to sift out authentic guides from their counterfeits.

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