smell test

American  

[smel test] / ˈsmɛl ˌtɛst /

noun

1. the practice of determining the freshness of fish or other food with the nose rather than the eye.

2. an instinctive assessment of whether someone or something is ethical and genuine or deceptive and corrupt.

---

idioms

1. pass the smell test, to be found ethical or genuine, typically by an instinctive sense or quick, informal assessment (usually used in the negative).

   Their next concern was would she pass the smell test? Although the age of the painting was scientifically verified, it didn’t pass the smell test with art historians.

Etymology

Origin of smell test

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

When project costs didn’t pass the smell test, we demanded answers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

It’s a compromise that may or may not pass the smell test.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

"There's just the smell test," a Labour insider said.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2025

Patel's critics argue that he does not pass the smell test.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2025

Bensinger: But if you’re an incredibly psychologically weak person who’s flogged into deciding to act on it, it may not cross legal lines, but does it pass the smell test?

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2024