smell the barn

barn find

A valuable item recovered from poor storage, such as a suburban garage, farm shed, etc., where it had been more or less forgotten; especially a vintage automobile.

bit by a barn mouse

tipsy; slightly drunk

born in a barn

In a past tense: criticizing the person to whom the phrase is directed for inappropriately, and usually neglectingly, leaving an exterior door or window open, considered ill-mannered.

not be able to hit the broad side of a barn

To have very poor aim, such as while using firearms or in sports.

pony in the barn

An exciting and real prospect, something to be legitimately excited about.

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.