Smell a rat

Meaning

Suspect that something is wrong.

Usage

Used when alert to suspicious behavior.

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.

Rat smell signaled treachery in old stories.

Used in 18th-century England to describe cynicism.