ichidan verb, transitive verb
examine closely; check up on; ferret out
Used for thoroughly investigating or scrutinizing something, often with a sense of digging up hidden details. Can imply persistent or probing questioning.
警察は事件の細かい点まで洗い立てた。
The police examined every detail of the case.
彼は私
He questioned me as if ferreting out my past.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
wash carefully; wash thoroughly
Used for washing something with great care, often implying repeated or meticulous cleaning. Less common than the investigative sense.
母は野菜を一枚一枚洗い立てた。
My mother washed each vegetable leaf carefully.