1
general::
Phrase(s): poke around 1. [and] poke about
to look or search around. • I’ve been poking around in the library looking for some statistics. • I don’t mind if you look in my drawer for a paper clip, but please don’t poke about. 2. to waste time while moving about. • I just poked around all afternoon and didn’t accomplish much. • Stop poking around and get moving., Phrase(s): poke around (in something)
Go to poke about (in something).
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Also, poke about. Look through things; also, make an investigation. For example, I was poking around the attic when I found these old photos, or The detective was poking about, tracking where she went on that fatal day. [Early 1800s] Also see NOSE ABOUT; POKE ONE'S NOSE INTO.
American Heritage Idioms