Smell out

verb

To discover or recognize something or someone by using your senses or intuition.

The detective was able to smell out the criminal from the group of suspects.
Visual representation of "smell out" - To discover or recognize something or someone by using your senses or intuition

Often appears as...

  • teachers can smell out trouble
  • dogs can smell out drugs
verb

In common usage, particularly in relation to dogs, it means to pursue, or search out by scent or smell.

The trained dogs were able to smell out the drugs in the luggage.
Visual representation of "smell out" - In common usage, particularly in relation to dogs, it means to pursue, or search out by scent or smell

Often appears as...

  • hound dogs smell out
  • smell out drugs
verb

To discover or recognize something or someone by using your senses or intuition.

The detective was able to smell out the criminal from the group of suspects.
Visual representation of "smell out" - To discover or recognize something or someone by using your senses or intuition

Often appears as...

  • teachers can smell out trouble
  • dogs can smell out drugs
verb

In common usage, particularly in relation to dogs, it means to pursue, or search out by scent or smell.

The trained dogs were able to smell out the drugs in the luggage.
Visual representation of "smell out" - In common usage, particularly in relation to dogs, it means to pursue, or search out by scent or smell

Often appears as...

  • hound dogs smell out
  • smell out drugs
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "smell out"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Figurative Sense

Often used metaphorically to describe human ability to detect something not obvious.

Illustration for Figurative Sense
A good journalist can smell out an untold story.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Intuition

It emphasizes using one's intuition rather than concrete evidence.

Illustration for Intuition
She could smell out dishonesty, even when there were no clear signs.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Clues

Refers to identifying something by picking up on subtle signs or clues.

Illustration for Subtle Clues
He was able to smell out the company's financial issues before they were announced.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Figurative Sense

Often used metaphorically to describe human ability to detect something not obvious.

Illustration for Figurative Sense
A good journalist can smell out an untold story.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Intuition

It emphasizes using one's intuition rather than concrete evidence.

Illustration for Intuition
She could smell out dishonesty, even when there were no clear signs.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Clues

Refers to identifying something by picking up on subtle signs or clues.

Illustration for Subtle Clues
He was able to smell out the company's financial issues before they were announced.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Figurative Sense

Often used metaphorically to describe human ability to detect something not obvious.

Illustration for Figurative Sense
A good journalist can smell out an untold story.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Intuition

It emphasizes using one's intuition rather than concrete evidence.

Illustration for Intuition
She could smell out dishonesty, even when there were no clear signs.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Clues

Refers to identifying something by picking up on subtle signs or clues.

Illustration for Subtle Clues
He was able to smell out the company's financial issues before they were announced.
Visual representation of the word "Smell out"

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