nose to the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"nose to the ground" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is focused on a task or who is searching for something. For example, "He looked for clues with his nose to the ground, determined to solve the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Immediately, Quest put his nose to the ground.

The New York Times - Travel

A long string of snot fell from the man's nose to the ground.

The New Yorker

It is not surprising that Haggerston has its foxes, but to know they are there by smelling them feels uncomfortably like entering their territory, nose to the ground.

The Guardian

Dee, who put in 20 years with the New York Police Department's Organized Crime Unit, still has his nose to the ground.

The New York Times - Books

When his turn comes, he gets down on his hands and knees, nose to the ground,on the gritty pavement of Academy Street, in an equally gritty neighborhood at the far north end of Manhattan in Inwood, poised to shoot.

The New York Times

"I will be putting my nose to the ground and reaching out to everybody in this community," he said, adding that he had already begun raising money for the campaign.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Winstar has released films by François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard, but the Breillat titles are a nose-to-the-ground search for the unusual.

The New York Times

In the tight game with the Scots last time out, the England forwards were subjected to all manner of trouble and strife by John Barclay, the nose-to-the-ground back-row bandit from Glasgow.

Independent

An optimal investigation of advertising fraud draws on an unusual diversity of skills not just ad industry savvy, but also a lawyer's interest in parsing contracts, an economist's attention to resulting incentives, an engineer's technical analysis, and a detective's nose-to-the-ground attention to detail.

Harvard Business Review

With a nose-to-the-ground advantage, Maxx guided firefighters to the children's location, recovering the 2-year-old girl and 4-year-old boy just before midnight, the sheriff's department said in a release Tuesday.

HuffPost

Six months out of college and I landed what I presumed to be the dream job of my 20s -- the step-ladder to success, the nose-to-the-ground, long-hours, working-so-hard-you-suddenly-think-finals-week-was-a-joke, job.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nose to the ground" when you want to convey a sense of diligent searching or focused attention, especially when sensory input (smell, sight) is involved. For example, use it to describe a detective investigating a crime scene or a dog tracking a scent.

Common error

Avoid using "nose to the ground" solely to describe general focus. The phrase implies a deliberate, often sensory-driven search, not just any form of concentration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nose to the ground" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression describing a state of focused attention and diligent searching. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples show its use in describing both literal and metaphorical searches.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

12.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nose to the ground" is a valid and useful idiomatic expression signifying diligent searching or focused attention, often with a sensory component. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across various contexts, especially in News & Media. Related phrases emphasize elements like vigilance, diligence, and detailed investigation. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of a thorough, often sensory-driven search.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focused on the task

Highlights concentration on assigned job or activity.

diligent in pursuit

Emphasizes the effort and determination in seeking something.

assiduous in investigation

Highlights the thoroughness of the inquiry.

hot on the trail

Indicates close pursuit, typically in an investigatory context.

keeping a close watch

Focuses more on observation than active searching.

immersed in details

Focuses on being deeply involved in specific elements.

probing deeply

Emphasizes thorough examination and exploration.

staying vigilant

Emphasizes watchfulness and alertness.

remaining attentive

Highlights careful listening and observation.

engaged in scrutiny

Highlights careful and critical observation.

FAQs

How can I use "nose to the ground" in a sentence?

You can use "nose to the ground" to describe someone or something that is diligently searching or investigating, often relying on sensory input. For example: "The detective had his nose to the ground, searching for any clue."

What does "nose to the ground" idiomatically mean?

Idiomatically, "nose to the ground" suggests a focused and meticulous search or investigation, often involving close attention to detail and sensory clues.

What's a good alternative to "nose to the ground" when describing someone working hard?

While "nose to the ground" implies a specific kind of searching, alternatives like "focused on the task" or "diligent in their work" may be more appropriate for general hard work.

Is it appropriate to use "nose to the ground" to describe a metaphorical search?

Yes, "nose to the ground" can be used metaphorically to describe a thorough and detailed investigation, even if it doesn't involve physical searching. For example: "The journalist had his nose to the ground, uncovering the truth behind the scandal."