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snoop around

B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To quietly look through someone else's things or private space, trying to find out information they don't want you to know.

Literal meaning: To snoop (pry into others' affairs) while moving around a space — largely transparent.

Meanings

1 B1 informal

To look through someone's private belongings or space without their knowledge or permission.

"She caught him snooping around her room, going through her diary."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To investigate a person or organisation covertly, looking for damaging or sensitive information.

"Government auditors had been snooping around the charity's accounts for weeks."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 informal

To wander through a place out of nosy curiosity, looking at things that are not one's business.

"I noticed a strange man snooping around outside the warehouse yesterday."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Always implies a breach of privacy and is generally disapproving. Used about people going through phone messages, letters, drawers, or private files. Also used about journalists and investigators.

Commonly used with

files messages private emails house desk

Forms

Base
snoop around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
snoops around
he/she/it
Past simple
snooped around
yesterday
Past participle
snooped around
have + pp
-ing form
snooping around
continuous

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Synonyms

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