Sniff out
verb
To discover or identify a hidden or lost object, situation, or person.
The police dogs were trained to sniff out bombs.
Often appears as...
- sniff out a secret
- sniff out danger
verb
To recognize or identify by instinct or intuition.
She has an uncanny ability to sniff out a good deal.
Often appears as...
- sniff out a bargain
- sniff out opportunity
verb
To discover or identify a hidden or lost object, situation, or person.
The police dogs were trained to sniff out bombs.
Often appears as...
- sniff out a secret
- sniff out danger
verb
To recognize or identify by instinct or intuition.
She has an uncanny ability to sniff out a good deal.
Often appears as...
- sniff out a bargain
- sniff out opportunity
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Discovery
Used when someone uncovers something not easily noticed or that's deliberately concealed.
The auditor sniffed out financial discrepancies in the accounts.
Pro Tip 2/3Investigative Skills
Often involves using expertise or specialized skills to find something.
Detectives can sniff out the tiniest clues at a crime scene.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
Does not always involve the physical act of smelling; it's a metaphor for detecting.
His parents could always sniff out when he was lying.
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