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Smell a rat

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Suspicion Trigger

Use 'smell a rat' when you feel something is off, especially if you can't yet prove it.

Illustration for Suspicion Trigger
He was late again, and she began to smell a rat.
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Informal Use

It's common in casual conversations, not in formal settings or written documents.

Illustration for Informal Use
We all smiled, but privately, I could smell a rat.
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Dishonesty Hint

'Smell a rat' implies you suspect dishonesty or deceit, not just that something's wrong.

Illustration for Dishonesty Hint
The accounts didn't add up, making the auditors smell a rat.
Visual representation of the word "Smell a rat"

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