Pass The Smell Test

Pronunciation: /pæs ðə smɛl tɛst/

Definitions of pass the smell test

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

Example Sentences

A1 My mom always says that if something doesn't pass the smell test, it's probably not good to eat.

A2 The new policy at work doesn't pass the smell test for me, I think it's unfair.

B1 The candidate's excuse for being late didn't pass the smell test with the hiring manager.

B2 The company's financial statements didn't pass the smell test, so investors were wary of investing.

C1 The politician's explanation for the scandal didn't pass the smell test, and the public demanded further investigation.

C2 The scientist's research methods didn't pass the smell test for the peer review committee, leading to the rejection of the study.

Examples of pass the smell test in a Sentence

formal The proposed budget plan must pass the smell test before it can be approved by the board.

informal I don't trust that restaurant, their food doesn't pass the smell test.

slang That excuse doesn't pass the smell test, I know you're lying.

figurative Her story about being late last night just doesn't pass the smell test, something doesn't add up.

Grammatical Forms of pass the smell test

• past tense: passed the smell test
• plural: pass the smell test
• comparative: more likely to pass the smell test
• superlative: most likely to pass the smell test
• present tense: passes the smell test
• future tense: will pass the smell test
• perfect tense: has passed the smell test
• continuous tense: is passing the smell test
• singular: passes the smell test
• positive degree: passes the smell test
• infinitive: to pass the smell test
• gerund: passing the smell test
• participle: passed the smell test

Origin and Evolution of pass the smell test

First Known Use: 1884 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The origin of the phrase 'pass the smell test' is believed to have originated from the idea that if something smells bad, it is likely to be spoiled or not trustworthy.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the phrase 'pass the smell test' has evolved to mean something that is credible, legitimate, or acceptable upon closer inspection or scrutiny.