Come up smelling like a rose

Meaning

Emerging unscathed or admired after trouble.

Usage

Describes being vindicated after a blow to reputation.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Victorian writers used fragrant flowers to counter foul situations.

American newspapers used the phrase in the early 1900s.