What's the Difference Between 'Flesh Out' and 'Flush Out'?

In this blog post we look at when to use flesh out and when to use flush out.

'Flesh Out' or 'Flush Out'?

"Flesh out" and "flush out" are two idiomatic phrases that are commonly used in English.

"Flesh out" means to develop or add more details or content to something, such as an idea, plan, or story.

It can also mean to provide more substance or depth to something.

"Flush out" means to drive or force out or away, typically by using water or a strong force.

It can also mean to discover or expose something that was previously hidden or concealed.

To summarize, "flesh out" means to develop or add more details or content to something, while "flush out" means to drive or force out or away, or to discover or expose something that was previously hidden or concealed.

Here are some examples that illustrate the difference between "flesh out" and "flush out" with explanations:

  • I'm going to flesh out this proposal by adding more supporting data and arguments. (In this sentence, "flesh out" means to add more details or content to the proposal.)

  • The detective used a loud speaker to flush out the suspect from the abandoned warehouse. (In this sentence, "flush out" means to drive or force out or away using a loud speaker.)

  • The writer decided to flesh out the plot of her novel by adding more subplots and twists. (In this sentence, "flesh out" means to add more content to the plot of the novel.)

  • The fire department used water cannons to flush out the remaining embers from the charred building. (In this sentence, "flush out" means to use water to drive out or away something, in this case, the remaining embers from the building.)

  • The journalist worked to flush out the details of the cover-up by conducting interviews and reviewing documents. (In this sentence, "flush out" means to discover or expose something that was previously hidden or concealed.)

Examples of Flesh Out in a Sentence

Here are ten example sentences using the phrase "flesh out":

  1. I'm going to flesh out this business plan by including more details about the market research and financial projections.

  2. The writer decided to flesh out the plot of her novel by adding more subplots and twists.

  3. The designer is going to flesh out the concept for the new website by creating detailed wireframes and mockups.

  4. The team is working to flesh out the proposal by adding more supporting data and arguments.

  5. The presenter decided to flesh out her talk by adding more examples and anecdotes.

  6. The artist is going to flesh out the sketch of the portrait by adding more details and shading.

  7. The scientist is going to flesh out the research paper by adding more references and supporting evidence.

  8. The team is working to flesh out the marketing strategy by adding more tactics and campaigns.

  9. The director is going to flesh out the script by adding more character development and dialogue.

  10. The chef is going to flesh out the menu by adding more entree options and specials.

Examples of Flush Out in a Sentence

Here are ten example sentences using the phrase "flush out":

  1. The detective used various tactics to flush out the suspect from his hiding place.

  2. The fire department used hoses to flush out the flames from the burning building.

  3. The police used sniffer dogs to flush out the suspect from the woods.

  4. The soldier used a smoke grenade to flush out the enemy from the building.

  5. The hunter used a decoy to flush out the prey from its hiding spot.

  6. The reporter worked to flush out the truth about the corrupt politician's activities.

  7. The investigator used undercover techniques to flush out the illegal activity from the company.

  8. The doctor used a saline solution to flush out the patient's sinuses.

  9. The scientist used a dye to flush out the contaminants from the water sample.

  10. The maintenance crew used a high-pressure hose to flush out the clogged drain.


Flesh Out or Flush Out
Flesh Out or Flush Out