smell a rat

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase smell a rat, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression smell a rat used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "smell a rat"

Meaning

The phrase “smell a rat” is an idiom used to describe the suspicion of something being amiss. To “smell a rat” is to have a suspicion that someone or something is not what they seem to be. It implies the idea that something is wrong and should be investigated further.

Etymology

The phrase “smell a rat” has been in use since the late 17th century, when it first appeared in a document belonging to Yorkshire, England. It is believed to be derived from the earlier phrase “smell a mouse”, which was used to refer to the notion of something being out of place or suspicious. This phrase is thought to have originated from the phrase “hear a mouse”, which is an ancient superstition about being able to hear ill omens in the form of mice. This superstition is said to have been around since at least the 15th century.

Usage

The phrase “smell a rat” is often used to describe situations in which a person senses something sketchy is going on. It can be used to describe times when a person is suspicious of someone’s actions or motives, or when there are signs that something is off or not quite right. The phrase “smell a rat” is also used when someone is skeptical about a particular situation or claim.

Example Sentences

• I smelled a rat when my colleague offered to do my work for free.
• I knew something was wrong when she started to act strange. I think I smell a rat.
• I think something shady is going on here. I can smell a rat.

Idioms with similar meaning

"Don't judge a book by its cover" is an English idiom that means you shouldn't make assumptions about someone or something based solely on its appearance. In Japanese, the similar idiom is "Hana yori dango," which translates to "Dumplings rather than flowers." This idiom means that substance is more important than appearance.