The word "smelled out" consists of two syllables. The first syllable, "smelled," is pronounced /smɛld/ (smehld) and rhymes with "meld." It is spelled with two Ls to indicate that the E is pronounced as a short vowel. The second syllable, "out," is pronounced /aʊt/ (owt) and rhymes with "out." It is spelled with OU to indicate the diphthong vowel sound. "Smelled out" means to discover or uncover something through investigation or deduction.
The phrase "smelled out" refers to the act of detecting or perceiving an odor or scent with the aid of one's olfactory senses. It implies the ability to identify or locate something by following or tracking its scent. The term "smelled out" is often used in a figurative or metaphorical sense, suggesting the act of uncovering or discovering something through careful investigation or intuition.
In a literal context, "smelled out" could describe the action of an animal, such as a dog, using its heightened sense of smell to find or track a particular scent. This could be helpful in detecting the presence of food, prey, or identifying individuals through their unique scent.
However, the phrase is commonly used metaphorically to describe the act of uncovering secrets, hidden motives, or deception. In this sense, someone who "smells out" something is perceptive and adept at identifying underlying truths or hidden agendas. It implies the ability to detect clues, inconsistencies, or subtleties that others may overlook.
"Smelled out" can also refer to unearthing or discovering information, facts, or evidence through careful investigation, analysis, or intuition. It suggests a keen sense of observation and an ability to piece together fragments of information to draw accurate conclusions. This phrase emphasizes the role of intuition and instinct in the process of uncovering something significant.
The phrase "smelled out" is formed by combining the verb "smell" with the preposition "out".
The word "smell" can be traced back to the Old English word "smellan", which meant "to perceive or detect an odor". This word further originated from the Proto-Germanic word "smalōną".
The preposition "out" has its roots in Old English as well. It is derived from the Old English word "ūt", which means "outside" or "beyond".
When you combine "smell" and "out", you get the phrase "smelled out". This phrase means to detect or perceive something by its odor, or to find or discover something through the sense of smell.