تعریف و معنای "[follow] {one's} nose"

What is the origin of the idiom "follow one's nose" and when to use it?

The idiom "follow one's nose" originates from the literal act of using one's sense of smell to navigate or locate something. Figuratively, it is used to encourage someone to proceed in a straightforward manner, trusting their instincts or intuition to guide them without relying on specific directions or instructions. The phrase implies a sense of natural progression or intuitive decision-making.