smell of the lamp
To bear marks of great study and labor.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“His essay clearly shows the smell of the lamp.”
“The professor praised the student's research, noting that every page carried the distinct smell of the lamp.”
“The intricate legal argument was so meticulously crafted that it clearly bore the smell of the lamp, reflecting years of exhaustive study.”
Suggesting work done throughout the night.
- 01
smell a rat
To sense something suspicious.
- 02
smell blood
To sense that one has an advantage over an adversary or rival.
- 03
smell fishy
To seem suspicious.
- 04
smell like a rose
To be regarded as appealing, virtuous, or respectable; to be untainted or unharmed.
- 05
smell like a tart's handbag
To smell strongly of perfume.
- 06
smell of an oily rag
A very small amount, or the absolute minimum (usually of money).
- 07
smell of the shop
To indicate too distinctively one's occupation or profession.
- 08
smell one's own farts
To become conceited; to believe that one's achievements are greater than they really are.
Last updated August 10, 2026