nose around

Investigate without permission

To nose around is to search or investigate, typically in a nosy or prying way: She was nosing around in my desk drawers.

The phrase suggests curiosity that may not be welcome—snooping rather than formal investigation.

Someone might nose around a neighborhood before buying a house, or nose around someone's personal life looking for gossip.

snooping

pry

Lever or snoop

snoopOne who pries
eavesdropListen to private conversations
meddleInterfere without invitation

intrude · peep · prowl · lurk · rummage · ferret · sniff · spy · overhear · trespass

investigating

probe

Thorough examination or tool

inspectStudy closely for flaws
examineStudy with attention
scrutinizeInspect with close attention

research · sleuth · explore · detective · clues · evidence · inquiry · fact-finding · audit · review

curiosity

inquisitive

Eager to learn more

curiousEager to learn
inquiringSeeking information actively
searchingLooking to find

probing · delving · exploration · wonder · interest · questioning · eager · keen · fascination · scrutiny

Categories

investigatinginvestigate, examine, inspect, probe, search
idiomstime flies, hit the sack, seize the day, ring a bell, break a leg
pursuitchase, chasing, pursuit, chase down, pursue
scavengingscavenging, rummage, foraging, forage, salvage
feeling outtest the waters, sound out, probe, feel out, gauge

Opposites

investigative behavior

nose aroundmind one's own business

Refrain from prying

turn a blind eye · look the other way · accept at face value · ignore · leave well enough alone

respect for privacy/boundaries

nose aroundmind one's own business

Refrain from prying

keep out · leave well enough alone · butt out · keep one's distance · let sleeping dogs lie

investigative approach

nose aroundsubpoena

Writ requiring testimony

Family

nose, around, noses, nosed, nosing, nosy, nosiness, nasal, nasally

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G