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smell a rat
/smɛl ə ræt/◆idiom
suspect deception
When the contract terms changed suddenly, I smelled a rat.
I suspected there was something dishonest about the situation.
informal
To suspect that something is wrong or that someone is being dishonest.
The sudden price drop made investors smell a rat.
Investors became suspicious that something was wrong with the market.
She smelled a rat when her boss offered her a promotion out of the blue.
She suspected her boss had ulterior motives for the sudden promotion.
This idiom is often used when there is a vague but strong sense of something being amiss.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
Use this idiom when you suspect deception but don't have concrete evidence.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
This idiom is effective but can become cliché if used too frequently.
Word Origin
The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it likely comes from the idea that rats are sneaky and often associated with hidden or corrupt activities.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more prevalent in informal speech and writing.
English Dictionary