scent out
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To find something by smelling it, or to figure out something hidden by noticing small signs.
Literal meaning: To find something by following its scent — transparent in literal use.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
(Literal) To locate something by following its smell.
"The bloodhound scented out the missing hiker within two hours of being given the trail."
Grammar: separable
2 C1
idiomatic
neutral
(Figurative) To discover or detect something hidden by means of intuition or careful observation.
"The journalist had a talent for scenting out corruption even when officials tried to hide it."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Used literally when describing animals (especially dogs) tracking by smell. Used figuratively in a somewhat literary or old-fashioned way to mean detecting something hidden. Less common than 'sniff out'.
Commonly used with
prey danger truth trail opportunity motive
Forms
Base
scent out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scents out
he/she/it
Past simple
scented out
yesterday
Past participle
scented out
have + pp
-ing form
scenting out
continuous
Understand "scent out" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "scent out" on Looplines