nose around
B2 informal intransitive
In simple words
To look around somewhere, usually trying to find out things that are private or not your business.
Literal meaning: To use one's nose to sniff around — as an animal investigates its environment.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To move around a place looking for information or items of interest, often intrusively.
"A journalist was seen nosing around the politician's neighbourhood asking questions."
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To explore or examine a place out of curiosity, without necessarily intending harm.
"We spent an hour nosing around the antique market, looking for hidden gems."
Usage notes
Used in both British and American English. Implies curiosity that may border on intrusiveness. Often used with a mildly disapproving tone. Can be used with a direct object: 'nosing around someone's house'.
Commonly used with
house office files records scene archive
Forms
Base
nose around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
noses around
he/she/it
Past simple
nosed around
yesterday
Past participle
nosed around
have + pp
-ing form
nosing around
continuous
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Synonyms
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