The phrase "worm out" is often spelled with the letter "o" in the second syllable, but the correct spelling is actually "w-r-m out" with a silent "o." This silent letter is a remnant of the Middle English spelling, which used to spell the word "worm" as "w-o-r-m-e." The current spelling of "worm" has dropped the "e," but the silent "o" remains, indicating the same pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, "worm out" is written as /wɔrm aʊt/.
The phrase "worm out" is commonly used as a phrasal verb in English language. It refers to the act of extracting or obtaining information, details, or secrets from someone, often by employing persistent questioning or manipulation. It can also be used to signify the uncovering of hidden or private information through patient investigation or inquiries.
Additionally, "worming out" can be understood as the process of removing oneself or something/someone out of a difficult or challenging situation in a shrewd or crafty manner. It implies cleverly maneuvering or escaping from a predicament, often through subtle means, to ease one's way out of trouble or responsibility.
This phrasal verb can also be employed to describe the action of persistently requesting or persuading someone to do something they may not want to do, or to elicit a desired response from someone by employing cunning or persistence.
In summary, "worm out" is a versatile phrasal verb that encompasses the extraction of information through persistent questioning or manipulation, the uncovering of hidden details through patient investigation, the shrewd escape from a difficult situation, and the persistent persuasion of someone to act in a desired manner.
The term "worm out" is a phrasal verb that consists of the verb "worm" and the preposition "out". The etymology of "worm" can be traced back to Old English, where the word "wyrm" referred to various types of creeping or crawling creatures, typically those that appeared long, slender, or sinuous. Over time, "worm" evolved to specifically refer to a small, legless invertebrate animal, such as an earthworm. The preposition "out", on the other hand, has a more straightforward etymology, derived from Old English "ūt", meaning "out" or "outside". When combined, the phrase "worm out" typically means to extract or remove something in a slow, gradual, or persistent manner, with the connotation of perseverance, as if attempting to coax a worm out of a hole or crevice.