smell test
4
3.8
- noun
- /smɛl tɛst/
:
prueba de olor
- "A lot of things don't pass the smell test," she continues.
- pass the smell test
- fail the smell test
That sounds like a good smell test to me.
- That sounds like a good smell test to me.
- But I think with milk, especially if I think milk, you can do the smell test.
- But the real smell test is what a person does once they get the information about what this relationship is.
- It's, it's important to have people look at your materials to make sure it, it kind of passes a smell test.
- There's a lot of things he wrote and said about himself that just don't pass the smell test.
- OK, I'll give it a three smell test.
- So obviously you're going to do the smell test because nukes products normally smell really good feels really nice and lightweight and it smells so good.
Examples
-
Their story does not pass the smell test," he said.
Blog text (12) -
The question "does anyone die earlier because of lack of insurance" doesn't even pass the smell test.
Blog text (13) -
Do you pass the smell test?
Blog text (18) -
Does this pass the smell test?
Blog text (25) -
If what you see doesn't pass the smell test, walk away.
Blog text (12) -
There are stories aplenty on offer, but do they pass the smell test?
Blog text (21) -
Sure, there are, but this story doesn't pass the smell test.
Blog text (28) -
Deliberately hiding their data and methods from those who pay for their work product doesn't pass the smell test.
Blog text (22) -
The claims from the union about these gigantic raises for executives don't pass the smell test.
Blog text (10) -
Many voters expressed concern that the proposed policy does not pass the smell test for fairness.
Synonyms
To use smell or instinct to check if something seems right
A test that checks a product's taste, smell, texture or appearance
How Rigorous
Surface Forms
Morphology
The literal reading — a test involving scent — is directly derivable from combining 'smell' and 'test', so a B1 learner who knows both words would grasp that sense. However, the common figurative use meaning a quick check of acceptability or authenticity is a metaphorical extension not fully predictable from the parts and varies cross-linguistically, so overall the expression is only partially transparent.
Etymology
Smell test: The noun smell test comes from the everyday idea of using your smell to do a quick test of food or goods to see if they are fresh. So, if something does not pass the smell test, it 'seems wrong' or 'not trustworthy'.