Pronunciation: [ɹˈa͡ɪfə͡l θɹˈuː] (IPA) 
The phrase "rifle through" means to search quickly and carelessly through something. The word "rifle" is spelled with the consonant cluster /r/ + /ɪf/ + /əl/, represented in IPA as /ˈraɪ.fəl/. This word is often misspelled as "riffle," which refers to a shallow part of a stream. The correct spelling of "rifle through" is important to ensure clear communication and avoid confusion.
The phrase "rifle through" refers to the action of rummaging or searching quickly and haphazardly through a collection of items or a particular space in order to find something specific or of interest. It implies a rapid and somewhat careless manner of searching, often characterized by flipping or pushing aside items in a hurry.
When someone "rifles through" something, they are typically looking for a particular item without spending too much time or attention considering other objects. This term commonly applies to physical objects such as papers, documents, drawers, or shelves. It carries an element of urgency, as if the person searching is in a rush or needs to locate something urgently.
The phrase is also metaphorically used to describe an intense and hurried browsing or searching among intangible things such as thoughts, memories, or ideas. In this context, "rifle through" suggests a quick and somewhat superficial exploration to find a specific piece of information or to gather ideas rapidly.
Overall, "rifle through" conveys a sense of haste, lack of thoroughness, and a single-minded focus on finding something specific. It implies a somewhat chaotic and disorganized process of searching, often accompanied by the movement or disturbance of surrounding objects.
The word "rifle through" originated from the noun "rifle" as a verb-formed phrase. The noun "rifle" finds its roots in the Middle French word "rifler", meaning "to plunder" or "to scratch", which is derived from the Old High German word "rifeln", meaning "to scratch". Over time, the meaning of "rifle" evolved to express the action of quickly and hastily searching or rummaging through something, leading to the phrase "rifle through", which means to search, browse, or go through something hastily or in a disordered manner.
