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sniff out

B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To find something that was hidden or secret, usually because you are good at looking for it.

Literal meaning: To use the nose to detect a scent and follow it outward to its source — transparent for the literal sense.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

(Literal) Of an animal, especially a dog: to locate something by following its smell.

"The sniffer dog sniffed out a hidden compartment full of cash at the border crossing."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To discover something hidden or secret through investigation or sharp instinct.

"The journalist sniffed out a financial scandal that the company had been hiding for years."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

To detect danger, deception, or a problem before it becomes obvious.

"Experienced traders can often sniff out a bad deal before they've even read the figures."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Both literal (dogs sniffing out drugs) and figurative (a journalist sniffing out a scandal). The figurative use is very common. Often implies that the finder has a special talent or instinct for detection.

Commonly used with

drugs danger scandal corruption bargain trouble

Forms

Base
sniff out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sniffs out
he/she/it
Past simple
sniffed out
yesterday
Past participle
sniffed out
have + pp
-ing form
sniffing out
continuous

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Synonyms

ferret out root out uncover detect track down nose out

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