smell a rat
To sense something suspicious.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I smell a rat when he avoids my questions.”
“The accountant smelled a rat when the numbers didn't add up, so she checked them twice.”
“Though the deal seemed generous, the experienced lawyer smelled a rat and insisted on reading every clause before his client signed.”
- 01
give a rat's arse
To care a minimum amount; to have or show minimal interest
- 02
lab rat
A student or employee who spends a great deal of time working in a laboratory.
- 03
poor as a rat
Synonym of poor as a church mouse.
- 04
rat run
A small, usually minor road used by a significant amount of traffic as a short cut or to avoid congestion on more major routes.
- 05
rat's nest
Something that is excessively complicated, entangled, or disorderly (either physically or metaphorically).
- 06
smell blood
To sense that one has an advantage over an adversary or rival.
- 07
smell fishy
To seem suspicious.
- 08
smell like a rose
To be regarded as appealing, virtuous, or respectable; to be untainted or unharmed.
Last updated August 10, 2026