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Phrase(s): nose out (of something)
to move cautiously out of something or some place, nose first. • She nosed out of the little room, hoping she hadn’t been observed. • She nosed out quickly and stealthily., Phrase(s): nose someone or a group out
to defeat someone or something by a narrow margin. (Alludes to a horse winning a race "by a nose.") • Karen nosed Bobby out in the election for class president by one vote. • Our team nosed out the opposing team in last Friday’s game.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
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1. Defeat by a narrow margin, as in She barely nosed out the incumbent. This expression, alluding to a horse's winning with its nose in front, has been used figuratively since the mid-1900s. 2. Discover, especially something hidden or secret, as in This reporter has a knack for nosing out the truth. This usage alludes to following the scent of something. [Early 1600s]
American Heritage Idioms