sniff out

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Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To discover, find, or detect something, especially something hidden or not obvious, by or as if by using the sense of smell.
    • To identify or recognize something through careful investigation or intuition.
Usage
  • This verb is transitive and requires a direct object (the thing being discovered).
  • It is often used in informal contexts to describe finding information, uncovering secrets, or detecting problems.
  • It can be used in both literal contexts (involving actual smelling) and figurative contexts (involving investigation or instinct).
Examples
  • Literal (involving smell):
    • The police dog was able to sniff out the drugs hidden in the suitcase.
    • The truffle hog sniffed out the prized fungi from under the oak tree.
  • Figurative (involving detection or investigation):
    • The journalist has a talent for sniffing out a good story.
    • Our security software can sniff out malware before it infects the system.
    • She can sniff out insincerity from a mile away.
Advanced Usage
  • "to sniff something out": This is the standard phrasal verb construction. The object (the thing detected) can be placed between "sniff" and "out" or after "out".
    • Can you sniff the problem out? (Object between verb and particle)
    • Can you sniff out the problem? (Object after the particle) Both are correct.
Variants and Related Words
  • Sniffer (n): A person or animal that sniffs, or a device used for detecting something.
    • A drug sniffer dog.
  • Sniff (v/n): The base verb meaning to inhale air audibly through the nose to detect a smell, or the act itself.
    • He took a sniff of the milk to see if it was sour.
Synonyms
  • Detect: To discover or identify the presence of something.
  • Uncover: To find something that was hidden.
  • Ferret out: To discover something by searching thoroughly.
  • Nose out: To discover by prying or investigation (very similar in meaning and metaphor to "sniff out").
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Sniff around (for something): To look around or investigate in order to find something, often secretly.
    • Reporters have been sniffing around for details about the merger.
Related Idioms
  • Have a nose for (something): To have a natural talent for finding or recognizing something.
    • A good investor has a nose for a promising startup. (This idiom shares the same metaphorical sense as "sniff out").
Verb
  1. recognize or detect by or as if by smelling
    • He can smell out trouble

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