smell out

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Explanation of "smell out"

Definition:
The phrase "smell out" is a verb that means to discover or detect something, usually something hidden or not obvious, often through intuition or instinct rather than through physical senses. It can refer to recognizing problems, dishonesty, or trouble before it becomes clear.

Advanced Usage:

In a more formal context, you might say: - "The detective was able to smell out the corruption within the organization, despite the lack of concrete evidence."

Word Variants:

• Smell (verb): The base form of the word.
• Smelled (past tense): "She smelled the danger before it was too late."
• Smell (noun): The sense of detecting odors. "The smell of fresh bread was in the air."

Different Meanings:

1. Literal Meaning: To perceive odors through the nose.
2. Figurative Meaning: To detect or become aware of something instinctively or intuitively, especially something negative or deceitful.

Synonyms:

• Detect
• Discover
• Sense
• Uncover
• Identify

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Smell a rat": To suspect that something is wrong or that someone is being dishonest.
• "Smell like trouble": To seem like a problem is about to happen.

Example in Sentences:

1. "He can smell out a lie from a mile away." 2.

Academic

Verb

1. become aware of not through the senses but instinctively
   • I sense his hostility
   • i smell trouble
   • smell out corruption
2. recognize or detect by or as if by smelling
   • He can smell out trouble

Synonyms

• smell
• sense
• sniff out
• scent out
• nose out