Smell, stink, etc. to high heaven

usgb
idiom

Something that smells very badly, it can be used literally or metaphorically.

His socks smelled to high heaven after the match.
Visual representation of "smell, stink, etc. to high heaven" - Something that smells very badly, it can be used literally or metaphorically

Often appears as...

  • rubbish smells to high heaven
  • the fridge stinks to high heaven

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "smell, stink, etc. to high heaven"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Literal Meaning

Used for real smells. Often for humor or exaggeration about something smelly.

Illustration for Literal Meaning
After the concert, the venue smelled to high heaven!
LampPro Tip 2/3

Exaggeration

It suggests an extreme smell, but often it's an overstated expression.

Illustration for Exaggeration
He took off his boots and they smelled to high heaven.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Negative Emphasis

Shows strong negative feelings about the smell.

Illustration for Negative Emphasis
The garbage was left outside, and it smelled to high heaven.
Visual representation of the word "Smell, stink, etc. to high heaven"

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