sniff out

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Word: Sniff Out

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To "sniff out" something means to detect or recognize it, often by using your sense of smell. However, it can also refer to finding out information or discovering something hidden, much like an animal might use its nose to find something.

Usage Instructions:

• Basic Usage: You can use "sniff out" when talking about discovering something, whether it’s a scent or information.
• Context: It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example, you might sniff out a delicious smell from the kitchen or sniff out a lie in a conversation.

Examples:

1. Literal Context: "The dog was trained to sniff out bombs at the airport."
2. Figurative Context: "The detective managed to sniff out the truth behind the mysterious disappearance."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "sniff out" can be used to imply that someone is using their intuition or instincts to uncover hidden truths or problems. - Example: "She has a talent for sniffing out dishonest practices in the workplace."

Word Variants:

There are no direct variants of "sniff out," but you can use related phrases or synonyms: - Sniffing (noun): The action of sniffing. - Sniffer (noun): Something or someone that detects through smell (e.g., a drug-sniffing dog).

Different Meanings:

• Literal Meaning: To smell something to identify it.
• Figurative Meaning: To discover or find out information, often something that is not obvious.

Synonyms:

• Detect
• Discover
• Uncover
• Find out
• Snoop (in some contexts)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "sniff out" itself is a phrasal verb, it doesn’t have direct idioms associated with it. However, you can consider: - "Snoop around": To look for information secretly. - "Get wind of": To hear or learn about something indirectly.

Summary:

"Sniff out" is a versatile verb that can apply to both literal and figurative scenarios where detecting or discovering something is involved.

Academic

Verb

1. recognize or detect by or as if by smelling
   • He can smell out trouble

Synonyms

• scent out
• smell out
• nose out