nose about
B2 informal intransitive
In simple words
To look around somewhere in a curious, nosy way, trying to find out things that may not be your business.
Literal meaning: To use one's nose to sniff around an area — as an animal would when exploring.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To look around a place in a nosy or inquisitive manner, searching for information or things of interest.
"I caught him nosing about in my desk while I was on my lunch break."
Usage notes
Chiefly British English. Implies gentle prying or curiosity rather than serious spying. Often used with a slightly humorous or disapproving tone. Very close in meaning to 'nose around'.
Commonly used with
desk room house files emails office
Forms
Base
nose about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
noses about
he/she/it
Past simple
nosed about
yesterday
Past participle
nosed about
have + pp
-ing form
nosing about
continuous
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Synonyms
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