# smell like a rose

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/smell-like-a-rose
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be regarded as appealing, virtuous, or respectable; to be untainted or unharmed.

## Examples

- He made a mistake, but he still smells like a rose.
- Even though the project failed, the manager managed to smell like a rose by blaming his team.
- Despite his clear involvement in the scandal, the politician emerged from the investigation smelling like a rose, leaving his reputation entirely intact.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.