Poke around, detract from

Question

Hi,1) What word would you use to describe a situation where a dog catches a scent and starts to move its nose around the floor. Would ‘poke around’ work?“I spilled soup on the floor and even though I cleaned it, my dog was still poking her nose around the floor.”2) If my boyfriend had a lot of stuff on our new dining table and it completely overshadowed the table, could I say one of these?“Could you clean up the mess? It really detracts from the look of the table / tones down the look of the table.”Thank you.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Ann2251) What word would you use to describe a situation where a dog catches a scent and starts to move its nose around the floor?

'sniff around'

Ann225Would ‘poke around’ work?

I would use that in cases where there are objects to poke around among.

The dog is poking around in that pile of leaves.

Ann225I spilled soup on the floor and even though I (had) cleaned it, my dog was still sniffing around the spot where the soup had spilled.

I'd use something like the sentence above.

Ann225Could you clean up the mess? It really detracts from the look of the table / tones down the look of the table.

'detracts' and 'tones down' are the sorts of phrases an interior designer might use to describe the effect of a new table cloth on the look of the table.

In my opinion they aren't particularly appropriate for getting the cooperation you want from your boyfriend. This would be stronger:

That table is a disaster! How about cleaning up your mess?

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Ann225where a dog catches a scent

That's fine but, other ways of saying this are pick up, notice or get a scent. You can choose.

Poke around, detract from

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