SNIFF OUT Meaning and
Definition
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To "sniff out" is a phrasal verb that refers to the action of detecting or discovering something, often through the sense of smell.
This expression originates from the instinctive behavior of certain animals, such as dogs, that have a highly developed sense of smell and use it to locate objects or substances. In this context, "sniff out" can describe the act of a dog using its nose to find hidden items or track down a particular scent.
Metaphorically, "sniff out" is also used to describe the act of uncovering or discovering something that is not easily noticeable or readily apparent. It implies a sharp or clever investigation or detection of hidden truths, secrets, or lies. For instance, someone might say, "She has a talent for sniffing out the real intentions behind people's actions."
In a broader sense, "sniff out" can be applied to situations where one is able to identify or uncover something elusive or elusive, often through keen observation, intuition, or deductive reasoning. It is often associated with an ability to detect subtleties or hidden aspects.
Overall, "sniff out" carries connotations of astuteness, cleverness, or exceptional detection skills in finding or uncovering things, whether literal or metaphorical, and is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts.
Common Misspellings for SNIFF OUT
- aniff out
- zniff out
- xniff out
- dniff out
- eniff out
- wniff out
- sbiff out
- smiff out
- sjiff out
- shiff out
- snuff out
- snjff out
- snkff out
- snoff out
- sn9ff out
- sn8ff out
- snidf out
- snicf out
- snivf out
Etymology of SNIFF OUT
The term "sniff out" is a phrasal verb that combines the verb "sniff" with the preposition "out".
The verb "sniff" derives from Middle English "snuffen" and Old English "snyftan", both of which referred to the action of inhaling noisily or audibly through the nose. The word "sniff" eventually emerged as a verb specifically associated with the act of smelling by inhaling audibly.
The preposition "out" is simply a common preposition used in phrasal verbs to indicate movement or action away, completion, or discovery.
When combined, the expression "sniff out" figuratively refers to the act of detecting or discovering something by using the sense of smell, similar to how animals like dogs use their heightened sense of smell to track or find things.
Idioms with the word SNIFF OUT
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sniff out sb/sth
The idiom "sniff out sb/sth" means to detect, find, or discover someone or something by using one's sense of smell or by being highly perceptive and observant. It is commonly used to describe the act of recognizing or uncovering something that is hidden or elusive.
Similar spelling words for SNIFF OUT
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