smell a rat
Meaning
To suspect that something is wrong, dishonest, or not as it seems; to sense a hidden problem or deception.
Origin
Recorded from the 1500s. Rats were associated with filth and hidden danger; to “smell a rat” meant sensing something suspicious or rotten beneath the surface.
Notes
Suggests an intuitive sense of suspicion or deception. Informal/neutral tone, often implies someone is up to something. Less suitable for formal writing; use “suspect” instead.
Examples
-
I started to smell a rat when he avoided answering basic questions about the deal.
-
She smelled a rat the moment the email asked for her password.
-
We smelled a rat after the numbers suddenly changed right before the audit.
-
If you smell a rat, trust your instincts and double-check the details.
-
The manager smelled a rat and reviewed the security footage to be sure.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as “smell a rat” with the article “a.” Common patterns: “I smell a rat,” “started to smell a rat,” “made me smell a rat.” Can inflect: smelled/smelling.
Synonyms
- suspect something
- sense something is wrong
- get suspicious
- smell something fishy
- have a bad feeling
- sense foul play
Antonyms
- trust it
- take it at face value
- be convinced