smells fishy
Arouses some doubt
Smells fishy describes something that seems suspicious or dishonest—not quite right.
The expression draws on the unmistakable odor of fish that have begun to spoil: if something smells off, it probably is.
The deal seemed too good to be true—the whole thing smells fishy.
Often shortened to just fishy: There's something fishy about his story.
- suspiciousInclined to distrust
- doubtfulUncertain of truth
- unreliableNot consistently performing
- questionableOf uncertain validity
- red flagIndicator of danger
not quite right · too good to be true · shady · shady deal · deceptive · smoke and mirrors · untrustworthy · distrust · odorous · fraudulent · treacherous · off · briny · pungent · corrupt · dubious · scheming · skeptical
smells fishyabove board
Honest and unconcealed
on the level · legitimate · trustworthy · on the up and up · kosher
smells fishytransparent
Allowing light through
open and shut · clear-cut · straightforward · crystal clear · nothing to hide
smells fishystraightforward
Clear and uncomplicated
transparent · aboveboard · honest · forthright · open and shut
smell, smells, smelled, smelling, smelly, smellier, smelliest, fish, fishy