smells a bit off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smells a bit off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that seems suspicious, unusual, or not quite right, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The deal they offered me smells a bit off, and I think I need to investigate further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Customers' first reaction is 'pooh, that smells a bit off!' because their normal perception is that these... are farmyard smells.

The Guardian

Auditors think something smells a bit off.

The Economist

This article originally aPlusred on VICE US.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Germany's liberal Sueddeutsche Zeitung joined scores of other critics and said the timing of the Chancellor's Dachau visit smelt a "bit off".

Independent

I ate three for my breakfast then noticed my farts smelled a bit off, but that was fine.

Vice

If you still find that you smell a bit off, try cleaning your room or changing what you eat.

WikiHow

He smelled a bit of cheese, goat's cheese.

The Guardian

Having said that, he probably did smell a bit of fear in the England opposition players.

BBC

It smells a bit like sage stuffing… barnyardy and herby.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This one is sweet and woody, and smells a bit like being in an English garden.

Independent

It smells a bit at first, but that goes after a few weeks.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smells a bit off" when you want to express a sense of unease or suspicion about a situation, decision, or object. It is suitable for informal to neutral contexts.

Common error

While "smells a bit off" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid it in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more professional alternatives like "appears questionable" or "raises concerns".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smells a bit off" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used to express a subjective assessment of something being suspicious or not quite right. Ludwig confirms its common usage in expressing unease or doubt about a situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smells a bit off" is a common idiom used to express suspicion or unease about something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, primarily in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While generally acceptable, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or business writing. Related phrases include "seems fishy" and "doesn't pass the smell test". Use this phrase to effectively convey your unease, while being mindful of the context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feels off

A more general way of saying something doesn't feel right.

doesn't pass the smell test

Indicates that something is suspicious or untrustworthy upon initial examination.

seems fishy

Implies suspicion or deceit, similar to something smelling bad.

seems suspicious

Directly indicates doubt or mistrust about something.

seems dodgy

Indicates something is potentially dishonest or unreliable.

seems questionable

Suggests that something is of dubious validity or propriety.

appears dubious

Highlights uncertainty or doubt about the honesty or reliability of something.

something's not right

A general expression indicating that something is amiss or wrong.

seems amiss

Suggests that something is out of place or not quite right.

raises eyebrows

Indicates that something is causing surprise or disapproval.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "smells a bit off"?

When something "smells a bit off", it suggests there's something suspicious or not quite right about it. It implies a sense of unease or that something isn't as it seems.

What can I say instead of "smells a bit off"?

You can use alternatives like "seems fishy", "seems suspicious", or "doesn't pass the smell test" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "smells a bit off" in formal writing?

While "smells a bit off" is acceptable in informal contexts, it's generally better to use more formal alternatives like "appears dubious" or "raises concerns" in formal writing.

How can I use "smells a bit off" in a sentence?

You might say, "The deal they offered me smells a bit off, I think I need to investigate further" or "His explanation smells a bit off, I don't think he's telling the whole truth".