SMELL OUT Meaning and
Definition
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Smell out is a phrasal verb with several meanings depending on the context. Its most common definition refers to the act of using one's sense of smell to detect or discover something, often something that is hidden, concealed, or hard to identify by other means. In this sense, it implies the ability to perceive odors or scents and thereby locate the source or existence of something. For example, a trained dog can help police officers smell out drugs that are hidden or disguised.
This term can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of detecting or uncovering something through investigation or inquiry, similar to how a scent trail is followed. In this context, it denotes the process of ferreting out information or exposing a hidden agenda or secret. For instance, investigative journalists may strive to smell out corruption or wrongdoing in their pursuit of truth.
Additionally, the phrase may be used to describe the act of sensing or discovering a person's intentions, thoughts, or emotions, often based on subtle clues or intuition. It suggests the ability to perceive things beyond what is immediately apparent or communicated explicitly.
Overall, "smell out" conveys the notion of using one's olfactory or figurative senses to uncover, locate, detect, or perceive something hidden, whether it pertains to physical objects, information, or abstract concepts.
Common Misspellings for SMELL OUT
- amell out
- zmell out
- xmell out
- dmell out
- emell out
- wmell out
- skell out
- smwll out
- smsll out
- smdll out
- smrll out
- sm4ll out
- sm3ll out
- smekl out
- smepl out
- smeol out
- smelk out
- smelp out
- smelo out
- smellout
Etymology of SMELL OUT
The term "smell out" is a verb phrase that originated from the combination of two separate words: "smell" and "out".
The word "smell" can be traced back to the Old English word "smeallan", which meant "to perceive the scent of". It further evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "smalanan", which had a similar meaning. The sense of smell has always played an important role in perceiving and identifying odors.
The word "out" is derived from Old English as well, specifically from the word "ūt", which meant "to the outside" or "away from the inside". Over time, "out" has come to signify the action of revealing something hidden or concealed.
When combined together, "smell out" refers to the act of detecting or identifying a scent or odor, often by actively searching or investigating.
Idioms with the word SMELL OUT
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smell out
To detect or discover something by using one's sense of smell or intuition.
Similar spelling words for SMELL OUT
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