nose out
Win by inches
To nose out is to discover or uncover something through persistent inquiry or investigation, like a dog following a scent: She nosed out the truth about his past.
It also means to defeat by a narrow margin: The incumbent nosed out her challenger by just two hundred votes.
detect
Reveal what's hidden
- discoverFind something unknown
- track downFind through persistent effort
- dig upUncover from underground
- sleuthPrivate investigator
investigate · scent · probe · snoop · expose · reveal · unearth · get wind of
surpass
Pass while moving faster
- pipFruit seed or dot
- outpaceExceed in velocity
- outstripSurpass or overtake
- photo finishRace decided by camera
uncover
Reveal what's hidden
- discoverFind something unknown
- track downFind through persistent effort
- dig upUncover from underground
sleuth · investigate · scent · probe · snoop · expose · reveal · unearth · get wind of · detect
overtake
Pass while moving faster