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a nose for something

Meaning: a talent for finding or recognizing something; keen instinct.

Language: English

Literally: a nose for something

Category: Animals

Origin: Animal tracking; dogs' noses detect what humans cannot perceive.

More idioms — Animals

  • Il y a anguille sous roche — Something suspicious is quietly going on beneath the surface.
  • Ménager la chèvre et le chou — To try to please both sides of a conflict without committing to either.
  • Prendere due piccioni con una fava — To achieve two goals with a single effort.
  • 猫舌 — Unable to handle hot food or drinks.
  • Ни пуха ни пера — Good luck — to which the ritual reply is 'To the devil!'.
  • Ехать зайцем — To ride a train or bus without paying.

More English idioms

  • throw in the towel — to give up; to concede defeat.
  • keep your chin up — to remain optimistic; to stay courageous during difficulty.
  • pitter-patter of little feet — the sound of children running; anticipation of having babies.
  • be in someone's shoes — to understand someone's perspective; to experience their situation.
  • the real McCoy — the genuine article; something authentic and high quality.
  • cry over spilled milk — to regret something past; useless to grieve over unchangeable events.

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