nose out of

nose out

1. To move forward very slowly and cautiously out of some place. In this usage, the preposition "of" is used after "out" when the place is specified; a noun or pronoun can be used between "nose" and "out" if the verb is used transitively. I think you'll have enough room to get out of the parking spot—just nose the car out a little bit at a time to be sure. I nosed out of the house to get away from the party without anyone noticing. She nosed the motorcycle quietly out of the shed so as not to wake her parents.
2. To defeat someone by a narrow margin, thus knocking them out of the competition or contest. A noun or pronoun can be used between "nose" and "out." The underdogs managed to nose out the former champions in a thrilling last-minute victory. After a late surge in the polls, Mayor Smith nosed out the Michigan senator many assumed would be the party's nominee.
3. To locate something through the use of one's nose. A noun or pronoun can be used between "nose" and "out." The dog was able to nose out the stash of drugs. The suspect may be in hiding, but these bloodhounds will nose him out.
4. To discover something that had been hidden through careful and thorough investigation. A noun or pronoun can be used between "nose" and "out." If anyone will be able to nose out the truth, she will. Scientists believe they have nosed out the genes responsible for giving one's face its particular shape.
See also: nose, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

nose something out of something

 and nose something out 
1. Lit. [for an animal] to force something out of something gently and cautiously. (As if pushing with the nose.) The cat nosed her kitten out of the corner. The cat nosed out her kittens where we could see them. She nosed them out.
2. Fig. to move something cautiously out of something or some place, nose first. Todd nosed the car out of the parking place carefully. He nosed out the car with skill. Ted nosed it out.
See also: nose, of, out
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • haul around
  • lift down
  • defect to
  • defect to (something)
  • ditch (some place)
  • Mecca for
  • flock in
  • flock in(to) (some place or thing)
  • barrel in
  • barrel in(to)
References in periodicals archive
IAN McGARRY IRN BRU CUP The Transfer Window Stevie wonderBoyhood hero Gerrard Sanchez pay packet is putting Pogba's nose out of joint PAGE 8 inspiring United new boy Mati as he goes for glory free PAGE 7 INSIDE Two great pull-outs SUTTY: When will Gers learn to stop the title talk?
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