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.

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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

Several defense attorneys credited the state prosecutors for scrutinizing the charges more thoroughly and ultimately deciding that some of the cases did not pass the smell test.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Even if he hadn’t, the argument doesn’t pass the smell test.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

And there is the shoddy nature of the indictments themselves, which don’t pass the smell test.

From Slate • Oct. 14, 2025

For an awful lot of people, that didn’t pass the smell test, and a whole new set of conspiracy theories were ignited.

From Salon • Jul. 14, 2025

Mr McDonald said the Teesworks deal "doesn't pass the smell test" but stopped short of repeating the claims.

From BBC • May 31, 2023