Definition of the word smell out

The term "smell out" is a figurative expression that has its origin in the game of hide and seek. In this game, the person who is "it" tries to locate the hidden players by following their scent, just like an animal does. The phrase "smell out" was inspired by this game, as it refers to the act of detecting and locating something by following its scent or odor. The first written record of the expression "smell out" appears in Thomas Cooper's 1622 translation of Columella's Agricultural Book. However, it was not used in the context of hide and seek but rather to describe the way to detect the source of foul odors. Over time, the phrase has evolved to encompass a wider range of meanings, such as finding hidden objects, solving mysteries, and identifying sources of danger through scent. In modern parlance, "smell out" is typically used in reference to hunting, tracking, and detective work. For example, a police officer might say, "We're going to smell out this homicide case and bring the perpetrator to justice." Or, a hunter might say, "We're going to smell out the elk and bag our limit this weekend." These colloquial expressions illustrate how the original meaning of "smell out" has been adapted and adapted over time to fit a variety of contexts.