Definition of poke around

poke aroundphrasal verb

chọc ngoáy xung quanh

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The expression "poke around" has its origin in 19th-century British English. At the time, the word "poke" was used to describe a long, wooden pole that was used for various purposes like fishing, pushing, or prodding. The verb "poke" itself comes from the Old English word "pōcan," meaning to push or poke. This verb was further adapted into Middle English as "poken" and later Anglo-Saxon English as "pokkien." The phrase "poke around" originated as a corruption of "poke and prodd(e) around," which meant to examine and explore a place or object by poking and prodding it. This expression was often used in reference to searching for something, such as in a dark or cluttered space. Initially, the term "poke" carried a slightly negative connotation, as it could also refer to barriers or obstacles hindering progress. However, over time, "poke around" has evolved to primarily describe leisurely exploration and discovery. Today, "poke around" is a common idiom in both British and American English, denoting the act of spending time exploring or searching, either for a specific reason or simply to satisfy idle curiosity. Common usages include "I want to poke around the new antique store downtown" or "Let's poke around in the cupboard and see what we can find for dinner tonight."

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Example:
  • I like to poke around in thrift stores to find unique treasures.

    Tôi thích lục lọi các cửa hàng đồ cũ để tìm những món đồ độc đáo.

  • The detective spent hours poking around the crime scene, looking for any clues.

    Thám tử đã dành nhiều giờ để tìm kiếm xung quanh hiện trường vụ án, tìm kiếm bất kỳ manh mối nào.

  • The curious cat was always poking around the cabinets, searching for tasty snacks.

    Con mèo tò mò luôn lục lọi khắp tủ để tìm đồ ăn vặt ngon lành.

  • When I moved into my new apartment, I spent a few days poking around to get a feel for the layout.

    Khi chuyển đến căn hộ mới, tôi đã dành vài ngày để xem xét xung quanh để cảm nhận cách bố trí.

  • The journalist spent the afternoon poking around the city trying to uncover a scoop.

    Nhà báo đã dành cả buổi chiều đi khắp thành phố để tìm kiếm thông tin độc quyền.

  • The investigator was seen poking around the abandoned building, trying to find any evidence.

    Người ta nhìn thấy cảnh sát đang lục lọi khắp tòa nhà bỏ hoang để cố gắng tìm kiếm bằng chứng.

  • The nosy neighbor was always poking around in our garden, to see if we had anything he could borrow.

    Người hàng xóm tọc mạch luôn lục lọi trong vườn nhà chúng tôi để xem chúng tôi có thứ gì anh ta có thể mượn không.

  • The chef loved to poke around in the local markets, looking for fresh ingredients.

    Đầu bếp thích đi khắp các khu chợ địa phương để tìm kiếm nguyên liệu tươi ngon.

  • The librarian would often spend hours poking around in the archives, trying to find obscure information.

    Người thủ thư thường dành nhiều giờ lục tung kho lưu trữ để tìm kiếm thông tin khó hiểu.

  • The detective's dog would often accompany her on her investigations, poking around in corners and under furniture, searching for any hidden secrets.

    Con chó của thám tử thường đi cùng cô trong các cuộc điều tra, lục lọi khắp các góc và dưới đồ nội thất để tìm kiếm bất kỳ bí mật ẩn giấu nào.

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