sniff around
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Encyclopedia.
sniff around
To investigate, search through, or inquire impertinently into something or some place. Please tell me that the cops won't find any incriminating evidence if they start sniffing around your office. Sarah's been sniffing around, lately—I think she's starting to suspect me. I started sniffing around the senator's campaign records and discovered a vast conspiracy of fraud and embezzlement.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
sniff around
v.
To pry; snoop: The reporters came sniffing around for more details. The detectives sniffed around the basement for clues. The guard caught them sniffing around in the room where the files are kept.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.