Sniff around
verb
To search carefully and thoroughly for information.
The detective sniffed around the crime scene looking for clues.
Often appears as...
- sniff around for clues
- sniff around for information
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To show interest in a potential romantic partner.
He's been sniffing around her for weeks, I think he likes her.
Often appears as...
- sniff around someone
- sniff around a girl
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
Used to describe a dog or any animal using its nose to explore or find something.
The dog was sniffing around the backyard.
Often appears as...
- dogs sniff around
- animals sniff around
verb
To search carefully and thoroughly for information.
The detective sniffed around the crime scene looking for clues.
Often appears as...
- sniff around for clues
- sniff around for information
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To show interest in a potential romantic partner.
He's been sniffing around her for weeks, I think he likes her.
Often appears as...
- sniff around someone
- sniff around a girl
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
Used to describe a dog or any animal using its nose to explore or find something.
The dog was sniffing around the backyard.
Often appears as...
- dogs sniff around
- animals sniff around
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Inquiry
Often used when someone discreetly seeks information without drawing attention.
Journalists often sniff around for a big story.
Pro Tip 2/3Detective Work
Implies methodical searching, similar to a detective piecing together clues.
She sniffed around the archives for hidden facts.
Pro Tip 3/3Curiosity Implication
Suggests a natural human curiosity to uncover what's hidden or not immediately obvious.
He always sniffs around for untold stories.
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Inquiry
Often used when someone discreetly seeks information without drawing attention.
Journalists often sniff around for a big story.
Pro Tip 2/3Detective Work
Implies methodical searching, similar to a detective piecing together clues.
She sniffed around the archives for hidden facts.
Pro Tip 3/3Curiosity Implication
Suggests a natural human curiosity to uncover what's hidden or not immediately obvious.
He always sniffs around for untold stories.
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Inquiry
Often used when someone discreetly seeks information without drawing attention.
Journalists often sniff around for a big story.
Pro Tip 2/3Detective Work
Implies methodical searching, similar to a detective piecing together clues.
She sniffed around the archives for hidden facts.
Pro Tip 3/3Curiosity Implication
Suggests a natural human curiosity to uncover what's hidden or not immediately obvious.
He always sniffs around for untold stories.
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