in good odor
liked, in someone's good books.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I am in good odor with my boss after finishing the project early.”
“She is in good odor with the teacher because she always helps other students.”
“Since he helped organize the charity event, he is currently in good odor with the local community leaders.”
“If you want to stay in good odor with your neighbors, you should probably trim the tall hedges that block their view of the street.”
“By consistently delivering exceptional results, the young manager remained in good odor with the board of directors despite the recent market downturn.”
The expression is a secularised variant of the medieval Latin *in odore sanctitatis*, which referred to the supposed fragrance of sanctity emitted by the bodies of the exceptionally pious upon their death. This perceived sweetness was contrasted with the scent of common decomposition, providing a sensory verification of the deceased's standing in the afterlife. The English phrase *in good odour* retains this sense of moral or social scent, suggesting a reputation that is pleasantly intact.
- 01
a good deal
Very much; to a great extent; a lot; lots.
- 02
all good
It's all good.
- 03
bill of goods
A set of misleading or deceptive claims.
- 04
but good
To a high degree; very thoroughly; in a most definite manner.
- 05
come from a good place
To be motivated by decency, kindness, or good intentions.
- 06
come up with the goods
To produce what was expected or required.
- 07
deal a good hand
To assign favorable circumstances in life to someone.
- 08
deliver the goods
To do what was promised or expected.
Last updated August 10, 2026