poke around

Related to poke around: give it a shot

poke around

To investigate, search through, or snoop around something or some place. Please tell me that the cops won't find any incriminating evidence if they start poking around your office. The boss has been poking around this morning. She wants to know how far along we are on the project.
See also: around, poke
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

poke around

 
1. and poke about to look or search around. I've been poking around in the library looking for some statistics. I don't mind if you look in my drawer for a paper clip, but please don't poke about.
2. to waste time while moving about. I just poked around all afternoon and didn't accomplish much. Stop poking around and get moving.
See also: around, poke

poke around

(in something) Go to poke about (in something).
See also: around, poke
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

poke around

Also, poke about. Look through things; also, make an investigation. For example, I was poking around the attic when I found these old photos, or The detective was poking about, tracking where she went on that fatal day. [Early 1800s] Also see nose about; poke one's nose into.
See also: around, poke
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • poke about
  • sniff about (something or some place)
  • sniff around
  • snoop
  • snoop about (something or some place)
  • snoop around
  • sniff
  • have a (good) sniff around
  • have a sniff around
  • have a poke around
References in periodicals archive
Ashkin also visits California to poke around the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation and Villa Hermosa, Palm Springs.
Michael Ashkin: Andrea Rosen Gallery. (Reviews: New York)
They poke around and "sniff" out food using their long antennae.
Cockroach cafeteria
Surgeon Girish Nair said: "The site is very close to the brain stem and if you poke around in the wrong places then it could end in paralysis or death."
Brain cell jab may defeat Parkinson's
I'd part with a fiver to poke around the PM's closets in search of a few skeletons.
Let's meet up at Dave's pad
My favorite autumn ritual is to head out to the coast, to tour the pumpkin farms around Half Moon Bay and poke around the nurseries there.
Fall rituals
"Have a poke around down here, then we'll go upstairs to the flat for a bit more comfort," suggested Lucy.
Ian Hylands TV Week: Pullovers Return.
THIS murky cellar may be an ancient chapel which lay hidden for nearly 100 years - until a family began to poke around under their house.
Cryptic clues in a cellar
I thought it might be water in there but no matter how much I shake my head or poke around with a bud, it won't go away.
Dear Dr Pam: Dr PAM'S SUNDAY SURGERY
"You go with a rake in one hand and a prayer book in the other, and you poke around a lot."
Window on the West
In Moving Target, the explosive three-part story starting tonight, viewers will get the chance to poke around in the official case files which will be posted online at www.itv.com/thebill Never let it be said TV people don't move with the times.
We love telly: We love DRAMA - THE BILL ITV1, 8pm
Poke around among historic buildings, walk across the Stanislaus River on a century-old covered bridge, or take advantage of the river's recreational possibilities.
Padding and poking around gold rush Knights Ferry
This week The Queen has flung open her wardrobe doors so us peasants can have a poke around. She has rooted out some of her best formal frocks, hats, handbags and shoes for a fascinating exhibition at Kensington Palace.
Queen comes out of the closet