stink to high heaven

Meaning: To smell terrible; also, to seem very dishonest.

Example: “The fridge stank to high heaven after the power cut.”

Origin: A smell so strong it rises all the way to the heavens. The phrase is common from the 20th century; Hamlet's "it smells to heaven" is an older relative.

Equivalents in other languages

Dutch: een uur in de wind stinken Literally: To stink an hour in the wind

More English idioms

on a silver platter Given to someone without any effort on their part.
above board Honest and open, with nothing hidden.
stake a claim To declare that something is yours, or that you have a right to it.
raze to the ground To destroy a building or town completely.
the law of the jungle A situation where the strongest or most ruthless win.
dig one's own grave To cause one's own downfall.

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Equivalents in other languages

More idioms — Body & Senses

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