on the scent
Following the trail
On the scent describes a pursuer who has picked up the trail.
Hunting dogs are on the scent when they've detected quarry and are tracking it.
The phrase extends to any search where you've found promising leads: The detective was on the scent now, following the money.
To be on the right scent is to be pursuing correctly; on the wrong scent means misled.
- detectNotice or discover
- houndHunting dog breed
- sniffing outDetecting through investigation
- trailPath through wilderness
- chaseRapid following of quarry
smell · uncover · hunt · tracking down · investigate · deduce · stalk · shadow · sniff · track · follow · following leads · pursue · solve · identify · sleuth · detective work · perceive
- pursuitchase, chasing, pursuit, chase down, pursue
on the scentoff track
Deviated from course
barking up the wrong tree · chasing shadows · cold trail · back to square one · on the wrong track
on the scentclueless
Lacking any understanding
in the dark · lost · baffled · stumped · bewildered