How to Memorize

weed out the unsuitable options/applicants

Analysis

A 'weed' is a plant that is considered undesirable in a garden. The phrasal verb 'weed out' means to remove something undesirable or unwanted from a group. When you 'weed out' people or things you identify the ones you do not want and remove them from the others. This is quite a casual phrase but this phrasal verb can be used in both social and professional contexts. Similar in meaning to, 'eradicate', 'exclude', 'reject' or 'to clear'.

Social Examples (Basic)

1. The list of places I'd like to visit on my travels is a bit long at the moment. I need to have a bit of a weeding out process to get rid of some of the unrealistic options.

Professional Examples (Basic)

1. I am currently going through the list of applicants to weed out those unsuitable for the job.
2. When I first took took over as manager, I quickly weeded out the employees who I felt were either not capable or simply not pulling their weight.

Further Suggestions