sniff out
The phrase "sniff out" can be used both literally, in the context of using the sense of smell, and figuratively, to describe discovering something through investigation or intuition.
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Definition
B2General
(literal)To discover or find something by using the sense of smell.
Example
- The dogs are trained to sniff out drugs at the airport.
B2Informal
(figurative)To uncover or detect something hidden through investigation, intuition, or careful searching.
Example
- The journalist managed to sniff out the corruption scandal.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "sniff out":
sniff testsuss outscout outsmell uptrack downhunt downposy snifferwinkle outsmell testnose outpetrol snifferstink outlook forpick outfalse scentpick up oncatch outtease outbird dogroot outnose testsnuff out