nosing about
Being overly curious
Nosing about means poking around in search of information, often where one isn't invited.
The image is of an animal sniffing its way through unfamiliar territory: She caught him nosing about in her desk drawers.
The phrase suggests idle curiosity or snooping rather than purposeful investigation.
Also *nosing around*.
- poking aroundSearching aimlessly through things
- inquisitiveEager to learn more
- rummagingSearching by moving things
- meddlingIntrusive interference in others' concerns
- probingThoroughly investigating something
digging up dirt · snooping · detecting · looking into · peeking · eavesdropping · keeping tabs · uncovering · delving · ferreting · exploring · spying · busybody · observing · interfering · intruding · prying · searching
intrusiveness into others' affairs
nosing aboutkeeping to oneself
Staying socially isolated
looking the other way · ignoring · detachment · indifference · discretion