Is rotten in denmark Meaning in English

expression

US

IZ RAW-tuhn in DEN-mark

UK

IZ ROT-uhn in DEN-mahk

Definition

This expression means that something is wrong or suspicious, even if it is not obvious. It comes from Shakespeare's play Hamlet and is used when people think something bad or dishonest is happening.

Usage & Nuances

Now mostly used in formal or literary contexts, or playfully in conversation. Often said as 'something is rotten in the state of Denmark'. Implies hidden problems, corruption, or dishonesty, not just bad smells. Used for suspicious situations, especially when details are unclear.

• Spanish: algo anda mal - aquí hay gato encerrado (expresión figurada)
• Portuguese (BR): tem algo errado - há algo estranho (expressão figurada)
• Portuguese (PT): há algo de podre no reino da Dinamarca (expressão figurada) - algo está errado
• Chinese (Simplified): 有猫腻 - 有异常（比喻用语）
• Chinese (Traditional): 有貓膩 - 有異常（比喻用語）
• Hindi: कुछ गड़बड़ है (रूपक अर्थ)
• Arabic: هناك شيء مريب - هناك خطب ما (تعبير مجازي)
• Bengali: কিছু একটা গোলমাল আছে (রূপক অর্থে)
• Russian: что-то тут нечисто - что-то неладное (образное выражение)
• Japanese: 何かおかしい - 何か裏がある（比喩表現）
• Vietnamese: có điều gì đó không ổn (nghĩa bóng)
• Korean: 뭔가 수상하다 - 뭔가 잘못됐다 (비유적 표현)
• Turkish: bir gariplik var - burada bir iş var (mecaz anlamda)
• Urdu: کوئی گڑبڑ ہے - کوئی مسئلہ ہے (استعاراتی اظہار)
• Indonesian: ada yang aneh - ada sesuatu yang tidak beres (ungkapan kiasan)

Example Sentences

The company’s finances look fine, but I think something is rotten in Denmark.

basic

Whenever rules suddenly change, I suspect something is rotten in Denmark.

basic

When employees leave so quickly, you know something is rotten in Denmark.

basic

I can’t say for sure, but something is rotten in Denmark about this deal.

natural

He keeps smiling, but I feel like something is rotten in Denmark.

natural

So many rumors flying around—it definitely is rotten in Denmark here!

natural