smell trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smell trouble" is correct in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation that suggests potential danger, difficulty, or trouble. For example: "I could smell trouble brewing when I saw her face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The markets smell trouble ahead".

The New York Times

When markets smell trouble, the metric spikes.

The Economist

Vince Cable's speech showed that they can't smell trouble.

The Guardian

It would seem that these couples would be able to smell trouble from a hundred miles away.

University of California, Berkeley

"The directors' real role is to smell trouble," Mr. Wyman said.

The New York Times

"It's something engraved in the mindset of government officials: when they smell trouble, they first turn to the Kurds.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

— Jared Allen smelled trouble.

The New York Times - Sports

My 13-year-old bench coach smelled trouble.

The New York Times - Tech

But one of the party's youth leaders smells trouble as he campaigns in poor villages.

The New York Times

If his contact smelled trouble, he would be carrying a copy of Time magazine in his left hand, and they would keep walking.

The New York Times

After signing off Longtop's financial statements for several years, the firm smelled trouble during its audit for the financial year that ended in March.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smell trouble" to describe an intuitive feeling or perception of impending problems or danger, rather than a literal olfactory experience.

Common error

While "smell trouble" is a valid idiom, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing sound unoriginal. Try to vary your vocabulary by using alternatives like "detect potential problems" or "recognize warning signs" to add depth and nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smell trouble" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe an intuitive sense or premonition of impending problems or danger. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows the standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smell trouble" is a common idiom used to describe a feeling or intuition that something negative or problematic is about to occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and is found in various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. It serves to communicate a sense of unease or to warn others about potential problems. While versatile, writers should avoid overuse to maintain originality. Related phrases include "detect potential problems" and "recognize warning signs".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Perceive danger

Highlights the awareness of a threatening situation.

Recognize warning signs

Focuses on identifying indicators that suggest something is amiss.

Anticipate difficulties

Highlights foreseeing challenges that may arise, focusing on proactive preparation.

See red flags

Uses a visual metaphor to indicate noticing clear signs of potential trouble.

Detect potential problems

Emphasizes the act of discovering possible issues before they escalate.

Feel something is amiss

Suggests a general sense that something is not right or as it should be.

Foresee complications

Stresses the ability to see future complexities or negative outcomes.

Sense impending doom

Focuses on a strong feeling of something negative about to happen, emphasizing the severity of the anticipated event.

Have a hunch about problems

Implies a strong intuitive feeling that issues are likely to occur.

Get a bad vibe

Emphasizes an intuitive feeling that something is wrong or problematic.

FAQs

How can I use "smell trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "smell trouble" to describe an intuitive sense of impending problems. For example, "The markets "smell trouble" ahead" or "I "smell trouble" when I see those two arguing".

What does it mean to "smell trouble"?

To "smell trouble" means to sense or intuitively recognize that a problem or dangerous situation is likely to occur. It implies an awareness of potential negative outcomes.

Which is more appropriate, "smell trouble" or "sense trouble"?

Both "smell trouble" and "sense trouble" are valid, but "smell trouble" often implies a more instinctive or intuitive feeling, while "sense trouble" can be more general. They are often interchangeable, but the best choice depends on the specific context.

What can I say instead of "smell trouble"?

You can use alternatives like "detect potential problems", "recognize warning signs", or "sense impending doom" depending on the context.