smack of
Faintly suggest presence
To smack of something is to have a trace or suggestion of it, usually something undesirable: The whole arrangement smacks of corruption.
The phrase implies that while nothing is proven, the resemblance is enough to raise suspicion or distaste.
His explanation smacked of desperation.
- hintIndirect suggestion
- implyIndicate without stating
- resembleAppear similar to
- connotationImplied sense, not dictionary
- traceMinute remnant or pursue
undertone · evoke · tinge · suggestion · give off · smatter · insinuation · reek · whiff · bespeak · betoken · savor · betray · tang · redolent · reminiscent · echo · bring to mind
degree of indication
smack ofprove
Establish as fact
confirm · verify · substantiate · constitute · make certain