Learner's definition of SIFT
to put (flour, sugar, etc.) through a sifter or sieve
to separate or remove (something) by using a sifter or sieve
— often + out
— often used figuratively
to go through (something) very carefully in order to find something useful or valuable
The police sifted for clues.
The lawyer sifted through the hundreds of pages of testimony.
Firefighters sifted through the debris.