Smell fishy Meaning in English
expression
ˈsmɛɫ/ /ˈfɪʃi
SMEL FISH-ee
smˈɛl/ /fˈɪʃi
sm-ELL fish-EE
Definition
If something 'smells fishy,' it seems suspicious, strange, or not quite right, often because someone might be hiding the truth.
Usage & Nuances
'Smell fishy' is informal and usually describes situations or stories, not actual smells. Common with 'something'—'something smells fishy.' Avoid using it for literal odor. Related expressions: 'seems off,' 'doesn't add up.'
Spanish: parecer sospechoso - sonar raroPortuguese (BR): parecer estranho - parecer suspeitoPortuguese (PT): cheirar a esturro - parecer suspeitoChinese (Simplified): 看起来可疑 - 有点蹊跷Chinese (Traditional): 看起來可疑 - 有點蹊蹺Hindi: कुछ गड़बड़ लगना - संदिग्ध लगनाArabic: يبدو مريباً - فيه شيء غير طبيعيBengali: গোলমেলে মনে হওয়া - সন্দেহজনক মনে হওয়াRussian: что-то подозрительно - что-то не чистоJapanese: 怪しい - 何か変だVietnamese: có điều gì đó không ổn - thấy khả nghiKorean: 수상하다 - 뭔가 이상하다Turkish: işkillenmek - şüpheli gelmekUrdu: کچھ مشکوک لگنا - کچھ گڑبڑ محسوس ہوناIndonesian: terasa aneh - terasa mencurigakan
Example Sentences
That story smells fishy to me.
basic
Doesn't this deal smell fishy to you?
basic
Her excuse smells fishy.
basic
I can't put my finger on it, but something about this plan smells fishy.
natural
Every time he explains, it just smells fishy.
natural
Don't you think the timing smells fishy?
natural