To be skeptical about something wrong, someone who could sense the danger
Etymology:
- Rats have been considered the most unpopular animals. Some disgusting, horrible and awful images and ideas are associated with them by the people. Since smelling a rat has been linked with cats for many centuries, but in 16th century, the phrase “smell a rat” was used for people who are able to identify something illegal. To suspect that something wrong, sinful and unfair has been taking place somewhere.
- 9 Views
“
I think all have smelled the rat of her surprise party; it is no more exciting now.
Submitted on February 25, 2019
Additional definitions for 'Smell a Rat':
| smell a rat | To sense something suspicious. |
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"Smell a Rat." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/smell-a-rat_45035>.
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