scent out

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Definition

Verb: - To discover, detect, or identify something by using or as if by using the sense of smell. - To find or uncover something hidden or not obvious through keen perception or investigation.

Examples of Usage
  • Verb:
    • The police dog was able to scent out the drugs hidden in the luggage.
    • As an experienced journalist, she can scent out a story from the smallest clue.
    • The truffle hunter's pig will scent out the valuable fungi buried underground.
Advanced Usage
  • "to scent something out": To diligently search for and find something.
    • The detective scented out the truth after weeks of investigation.
  • Often used figuratively to describe the act of discovering information, opportunities, or problems through intuition or skill, not literal smell.
Variants and Related Words
  • Scent (verb): To perceive or detect by smell.
    • The deer scented the hunter on the wind.
  • Smell out (phrasal verb): A synonym with the same meaning as "scent out."
    • The committee was formed to smell out corruption in the department.
Synonyms
  • Detect: To discover or identify the presence of something.
  • Uncover: To find something that was hidden or secret.
  • Ferret out: To discover something by searching thoroughly and persistently.
  • Nose out: To discover by prying or searching (informal).
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Sniff out: To find or detect something, especially through investigation or intuition, similar to "scent out."
    • It's her job to sniff out the best talent for the team.
Related Idioms
  • Have a nose for (something): To have a natural ability to find or recognize something.
    • A good reporter has a nose for news. (This idiom relates to the figurative skill described by "scent out.")
Verb
  1. recognize or detect by or as if by smelling
    • He can smell out trouble

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