sniff out

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to detect through shrewdness or instinct

Idioms and Phrases

Uncover, as If there's anything to that rumor, Gladys will sniff it out. This expression alludes to an animal sniffing for prey. [First half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

It sniffs out patterns invisible to the eye, predicts moves before the market even breathes.

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The Harcourt we know, who sports black jeans and gets into bar fights just to feel something, is astounded that Peacemaker didn’t immediately sniff out the rot in this utopia.

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Prof Thomas has been training his dog Rue, who sniffed out the first one this summer.

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Before long, Gaga’s version of her wicked queen sniffs out her prey.

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The rats are trained to sniff out chemicals that are found in landmines and other weapons abandoned on battlefields.

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Related Words

• ascertain 
• bring to light 
• drive out www.thesaurus.com
• get at 
• uncover 
• unearth