not get a sniff of something

not get a sniff of (something)

1. To not get even the smallest inclination or amount of information about something. Make sure you don't let the boss get a sniff of what you're trying to do, or you'll get fired so fast your head will spin! A: "Detective Matheson, have you gotten any leads about this supposed drug deal going down tomorrow night?" B: "No, sir, I haven't gotten a sniff of anything happening tomorrow."
2. To not get even the smallest portion or sample of something desirable. Health insurance, a company phone, and a pension plan? Man, I didn't get a sniff of benefits like those when I was working for that company. He didn't patent the design, so when it went on to make millions of dollars, he didn't get a sniff of that money.
See also: get, not, of, sniff
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

not get a ˈsniff of something

(informal) not succeed in obtaining something: I worked in Hollywood for years, but I never got a sniff of the big money.
See also: get, not, of, sniff, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • not get a sniff of (something)
  • not get a whiff of (something)
  • not a trace (of something)
  • not a glimmer
  • not a glimmer (of something)
  • not a red cent
  • not one red cent
  • a blind bit of
  • a blind bit of (something)
  • jot or tittle