NOSE OUT

{v.}, {informal} 1. To learn by effort (something private or secret); uncover. * /The principal nosed out the truth about the stolen examination./ 2. To defeat by a nose length; come in a little ahead of in a race or contest. * /The horse we liked nosed out the second horse in a very close finish./ * /The Democratic candidate nosed out his rival for Congress by a few hundred votes./