Words nearby rat
Idioms for rat
smell a rat, to suspect or surmise treachery; have suspicion: After noting several discrepancies in his client's story, the attorney began to smell a rat.
Origin of rat
before 1000; Middle English rat(t)e, Old English ræt; cognate with Dutch rat, German Ratz, Ratte
OTHER WORDS FROM rat
rat·like, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for smell a rat
rat
/ (ræt) /
noun
verb rats, ratting or ratted
(intr usually foll by on) informal
- to divulge secret information (about); betray the trust (of)
- to default (on); abandonhe ratted on the project at the last minute
to hunt and kill rats
See also rats
Derived forms of rat
ratlike, adjectiveWord Origin for rat
Old English rætt; related to Old Saxon ratta, Old High German rato
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medicine definitions for smell a rat
rat
[ răt ]
n.
Any of various long-tailed rodents of the genus Rattus and related genera, including certain strains used in scientific research and certain species that are vectors for various diseases.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Culture definitions for smell a rat
smell a rat
To sense foul play: “They claim they will honor the terms of the contract, but I smell a rat.”
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Idioms and Phrases with smell a rat (1 of 2)
smell a rat
Suspect something is wrong, especially a betrayal of some kind. For example, When I didn't hear any more from my prospective employer, I began to smell a rat. This expression alludes to a cat sniffing out a rat. [c. 1550]
Idioms and Phrases with smell a rat (2 of 2)
rat
In addition to the idioms beginning with rat
- rat on
- rat race
also see:
- like a drowned rat
- smell a rat
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.