nose out
To find out something by looking carefully, or to win by just a tiny bit.
Meanings
To discover or uncover information through careful searching or investigation.
"An investigative reporter nosed out the truth about the company's financial irregularities."
To defeat a rival by a very small margin, as in a race or competition.
"The favourite nosed out the challenger by just half a second in the final race."
To move forward slowly and carefully, especially a vehicle easing out into traffic.
"She nosed the car out of the tight parking space very slowly."
Has two main senses: investigative (to uncover information) and competitive (to beat someone by a narrow margin). Both are used in journalism and sports reporting. The competitive sense evokes a horse race where a nose separates winner from runner-up.
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Forms
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Synonyms
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