Used when someone uncovers something not easily noticed or that's deliberately concealed. The auditor sniffed out financial discrepancies in the accounts.
Pro Tip 2/3
Investigative Skills
Often involves using expertise or specialized skills to find something. Detectives can sniff out the tiniest clues at a crime scene.
Pro Tip 3/3
Not 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.