get a sniff of it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get a sniff of it" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used informally to suggest that someone is getting a brief or preliminary experience or understanding of something. Example: "Before making a decision, I want to get a sniff of it to see if it's worth pursuing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A good woman can look far down the line and smell what's coming before a man even gets a sniff of it".

The New Yorker

Whenre humIliated and regret the error.

Vice

I get a sniff of the third bite before I take it.

Vice

"This would absolutely be probably the most devastating loss that we've ever had, if we don't get a sniff of the tournament, because we've earned it.

Los Angeles Times

"That was the main reason, to get out, play and to get a sniff of the first team here and see what it's like".

BBC

Buffalo have a rivalry with lions, and if they get a sniff of a youngster they will try to kill it.

BBC

"The note is said to be enjoying the opportunity to get out and meet ordinary voters, although it would have appreciated a seat of its own on the plane, as Mr Cameron's jacket pocket is somewhat lacking in leg room and it didn't get a sniff of the in-flight film".

BBC

"If you let a team like that get a sniff of getting back in the lead they will take it, but I thought their character in the end to get that penalty in the 22, I was really proud of the effort.

BBC

'Whenever I get a sniff of the line, I'm pretty determined to get over it, maybe to the detriment of other players looking for an offload.

The Guardian - Sport

If you are a Jets fan eager to get a sniff of the Super Bowl, this is not horrible news but it's not great news, either.

The New York Times - Sports

Its owner, Gary Crunkleton, is a much-loved local known as much for his forthright opinions as his excellent chemistry at the bar; it's worth braving the weekend crush to get a sniff of the lemon curd, ginger-lemongrass and bourbon concoction, the bitter southerner ($12).

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get a sniff of it" when you want to convey that someone is having an initial or brief exposure to something, without necessarily fully understanding it. It's best used in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "get a sniff of it" in formal writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "gain initial exposure" or "become acquainted" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get a sniff of it" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe obtaining an initial or brief exposure to something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get a sniff of it" is an idiomatic expression indicating an initial or brief exposure to something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness but suggests it's best suited for informal contexts. Alternatives like "get a taste of it" or "get a feel for it" may be more appropriate for formal writing. Remember to reserve its use for casual settings to maintain the right tone. Although Ludwig has identified examples, they do not meet the criteria for a 100% match.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get a taste of it

Focuses on experiencing a small portion or aspect of something.

get a feel for it

Emphasizes gaining an intuitive understanding or sense of something.

get a sense of it

Highlights obtaining a general impression or awareness.

have a glimpse of it

Suggests a quick or fleeting view or understanding.

get wind of it

Implies hearing about something, often secret or unexpected.

catch a whiff of it

Similar to the original, but emphasizes the sensory aspect.

become aware of it

Focuses on gaining knowledge or consciousness of something.

get an inkling of it

Suggests a vague or uncertain idea about something.

perceive a hint of it

Emphasizes detecting a subtle indication or sign.

get an introduction to it

Focuses on the initial stage of learning or experiencing something.

FAQs

What does "get a sniff of it" mean?

The phrase "get a sniff of it" means to have a brief or initial experience with something, often implying a preliminary understanding or exposure.

How can I use "get a sniff of it" in a sentence?

You can use "get a sniff of it" to describe someone's first experience. For example: "Before committing, I want to "get a taste of it" to see if I like it."

What are some alternatives to "get a sniff of it"?

Some alternatives to "get a sniff of it" include "get a taste of it", "get a feel for it", or "get a sense of it". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "get a sniff of it" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "get a sniff of it" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, use alternatives like "gain an initial understanding" or "become acquainted with".