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entlocken

to elicit, to coax out of someone

verb ent-LOK-ken Rare

Usage Note

entlocken means to draw or coax something out of someone — an answer, a confession, or a smile. 'Der Interviewer entlockte ihm ein Geständnis' (The interviewer coaxed a confession out of him). It implies skill or persistence in getting someone to reveal what they would otherwise keep quiet.

Examples

"Dem erfahrenen Journalisten gelang es, der scheuen Künstlerin ein paar persönliche Sätze zu entlocken."

Natural Translation

The experienced journalist managed to coax a few personal remarks out of the shy artist.

Literal Translation

To-the experienced journalist succeeded it, the shy artist a few personal sentences to-elicit.

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