sniff out

British  

verb

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

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sniff out Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

In some cases, the officers are meant to sniff out any scent of treason or collaboration.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Igor isn’t just adept at sniffing out truffles — he quickly deduces that she’s emotionally lost.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From BBC

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

From Salon

Related Words

• ascertain
• bring to light
• drive out
• get at
• uncover
• unearth