sleuth-hound

A detective uses a sleuth-hound to follow a scent trail.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A breed of dog used for tracking: "sleuth-hound" refers to a dog, typically a bloodhound, trained to follow scents or trails, often used in hunting or police work.
   • A detective or investigator: By extension, "sleuth-hound" can mean a person who is very skilled at finding information or solving mysteries, similar to a detective.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The police used a sleuth-hound to track the escaped prisoner through the forest. (A dog trained to follow a scent trail.)
  • The old detective was a true sleuth-hound, never giving up on a cold case. (A person who investigates persistently.)

Advanced Usage

• "to follow like a sleuth-hound": to pursue someone or something with great determination and attention to detail.
  • The journalist followed the scandal like a sleuth-hound, uncovering every hidden document. (The journalist pursued the story relentlessly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sleuth (n): a detective or investigator; also, a bloodhound or tracking dog.

  • The sleuth solved the mystery in record time. (The detective solved the case.)

• Hound (n): a type of dog used for hunting; also, a person who pursues something persistently.

  • He is a gossip hound, always seeking the latest news. (He is a persistent pursuer of gossip.)

Synonyms

• Bloodhound: a breed of dog known for its keen sense of smell and tracking ability.
• Tracker: a person or animal that follows a trail or scent.
• Detective: a person who investigates crimes and solves mysteries.

Related Idioms

• On the scent: following a trail or clue closely.

  • The reporter was on the scent of a major political scandal. (The reporter was pursuing a lead.)

• Hot on the trail: close to finding or catching someone or something.

  • The police were hot on the trail of the thief. (The police were close to catching the thief.)