smell of an oily rag

rag bagger

A sailor who tends to sail on messy cruising vessels.

smell a rat

To sense something suspicious.

smell blood

To sense that one has an advantage over an adversary or rival.

smell fishy

To seem suspicious.

smell like a rose

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

smell like a tart's handbag

To smell strongly of perfume.

smell of the lamp

To bear marks of great study and labor.

smell of the shop

To indicate too distinctively one's occupation or profession.