# sniff test

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/sniff-test
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An informal check of an idea or proposal, using one's common sense or sense of propriety.

## Examples

- That plan does not pass the sniff test.
- Before we present this budget to the board, let's run it through a quick sniff test to see if the numbers make sense.
- The proposal sounded impressive at first, but it failed the sniff test once the committee examined the underlying assumptions and lack of evidence.

## Origin

The figurative sense is a metaphorical extension from the literal sense.

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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.