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

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

From Salon

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

From BBC

“Not every spy is to your flavor of monogamy,” Kathryn tells George when he organizes a dinner party to begin sniffing out the mole under false pretenses.

From Salon

Big gaming companies are already sniffing out new ways to make games more immersive.

From BBC

Artists can sniff out genius from fakes, and Thanos sure looks like a parody of a pretender T.O.P. has encountered in the wild.

From Salon

Related Words

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