1
general::
sniff at sth
SHOW INTEREST
2. ( also sniff around (sth) ) to show that you are interested in something
• A few computer firms are sniffing at the project already.
• Chief executive David Prosser said the takeover speculation was wrong and no one was sniffing around., sniff at sth
DISAPPROVE
1. to show disapproval or a low opinion of something
• The men at City Hall, sniffing at anything too ideological, insist that big cuts are just not practical., sniff sth out
[ M ]
to search for and discover something
• Her job is to go round the big fashion shows sniffing out talent for a modelling agency.
Cambridge-Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
verb ADV. loudly She wiped her eyes and sniffed loudly. | deeply | a little | carefully, delicately | appreciatively He sniffed appreciatively. ‘Smells delicious. What is it?’ | disapprovingly, disdainfully, disparagingly | suspiciously | back The woman sniffed back her tears. PREP. at The dog sniffed at his shoes., noun ADJ. deep, good | loud VERB + SNIFF give, let out She gave a loud sniff of disapproval. | hear | get, have, take to get a sniff of fresh air PREP. between ~s ‘I'm sorry,’ he said between sniffs. | with a ~ ‘I'm fine,’ she said with a sniff. | ~ at The dog had a good sniff at the bushes around the garden. PHRASES a sniff of disapprovalSOUND
Oxford Collocations Dictionary