Have you smelled a rat? I hope you haven’t because it’s disgusting to do it literally. Today’s expression is not actually about rats or rodents at all but something that misleads people such as scams.
In the English language, people say this expression when we mean we’re suspicious of someone. There’s something wrong in a situation. (BBC Learning English)
You’ve probably encountered a scam or an illegal activity during your lifetime especially this Internet age where a lot of bogus activities can happen. I myself have received emails and text messages from scammers asking about my bank accounts or that I won a prize. By the way, phishing is one of the most common scams nowadays. So if someone sends you an email asking your bank details online, please be very careful and double check the email and the website if it’s really legitimate. Furthermore, if a message is too good to be true, it’s definitely a scam.
Here are some example sentences;
- Rosemary smelled a rat when she received a phone call that she won $1 Billion in a lottery even if she didn’t buy any tickets.
- Someone offered Elen to purchase a gold necklace for just a few bucks. Luckily, she smelled a rat and hurriedly left the building.
- We could even meet dishonest people in real life offering us fake products or services. It’s best to be vigilant and know to smell a rat so we wouldn’t fall to their baits.
Here's another meaning of the phrase 'smell a rat'.
How about you? Have you encountered a situation that you found it smelly as a rat? Share your experience in the comment below. Thank you in advance!
Comments
Hi Robbie..!
Yes, you are right. He guessed high about my result but I couldn't reach his target. But he told next time I'd get more score.
Thanks for checking.
Hi, Shekhar!
That's a nice example. I wonder why you're hiding your exam result. I hope it had a remarkable score. :)
Thank you for commenting!
Robbie
"Smell a rat".
I heard this from my friend and at first, I am confused what does this idiom/expression.
He told me " I smelt a rat that you are hiding your examination result".
Hey, Mary!
You're welcome! I didn't know there's a song about this expression. I think the singer is in dire need of a pied piper. :) Thanks a lot for the kind words though!
Happy weekend!
Robbie
Hi, Rosemary!
You're welcome! This expression is like following our instinct when we're noticing something awful might happen. Basically, a warning sign that we shouldn't tolerate scams as much as possible.
Thank you for the comment!
Robbie :)
When I hear that expression this song always comes to my mind
I always thought Jack White (the singer) had a 'plague problem' and needed the services of the Pied Piper XD
kidding :P
Thanks for another interesting blog Robbie; it's always nice to see you around :)
Hello, Erza!
That's horrible! I think the authorities should keep warning everyone about this kind of modus operandi. But of course the cooperation of online users to reject this activity is the most essential one.
Thank you for your time commenting!
Robbie :)
@ Nomi
That's funny! I'm sure your flu has saved you from further complications. Thanks for the comment!
Hi, Bet!
I wouldn't pay much attention either if that's happened to me. :) Thank you for commenting!
Happy learning,
Robbie :)
How have you been, Risty?
I totally agree with you. I guess it's human nature to think there are times that unpleasant smell is associated with negative feelings in a given situation. It could also mean to warn us ahead of time, not to engage into something that we might regret in the future.
Oh, that fish delicacy. One of my fave food during my younger years. Unfortunately, I rarely eat those dried milkfish or 'danggit' nowadays because I'm not getting any younger and on strict diet (kidding).
By the way, I love your example sentences. The third one is quite common especially to overseas workers, isn't it? There are some employers who do not follow the contract (or breach it). Sometimes, the employee still accepts the job because he or she has no choice at all. I really hope this won't happen to you.
A million thanks for joining and sharing your examples!
Ingat (take care),
Robbie :)
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