roots around
Digs through stuff
To root around is to search by digging or rummaging, the way a pig roots in dirt with its snout.
The phrase suggests an unsystematic, physical search through clutter or disorganized material: She rooted around in her purse for the keys, He spent the afternoon rooting around in the attic.
It can extend to investigative searching: journalists rooting around for a scandal.
- rummageSearch unsystematically through clutter
- groundSolid surface underfoot
- turn overRotate to opposite side
- pryLever or snoop
- burrowAnimal's dug dwelling
dig · probe · sniff out · inspect · scour · delve · inquire · ferret · sift · unearth · snout · discover · poke · forage · hunt · seek · overturn · analyze
action vs. inaction
roots aroundleaves alone
Refrains from disturbing
ignores · passes over · overlooks · organizes