Sniffing around In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "sniffing around", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Jimmy Hung

2019-10-01 01:10

have a (good) sniff around , poke around , sniff about (something or some place) , snoop around , snoop into (something)

Sniff around phrase

To attempt to find out private or secret information about someone/something in a way that is annoying or rude.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sniff around.

They sniffed around his house on suspicion of drug smuggling.

To attempt to persuade someone to become your sexual partner.

My boss has sniffed around me and promised to promote me to a higher position if I have sex with him.

Stop sniff around me! I've already had a boyfriend.

pry around

To indicate sneaking around (an area) to find out someone’s private information.

The verb "sniff" must be conjugated according to its tense.

The origin of this phrase is not clear.