sniff test
Quick freshness check
A sniff test is an informal evaluation based on quick judgment rather than rigorous analysis.
The phrase comes from literally smelling food to check if it's spoiled.
Figuratively, something that doesn't pass the sniff test seems wrong or suspicious even without detailed examination: His alibi didn't pass the sniff test.
Olfactory perception
- odorPerceived atmospheric emission
- freshnessState of being unspoiled
- spoilageFood degradation process
- rancidDecomposed fat's quality
sour · off · stale · expiration · dairy · meat · leftovers · fridge
Formal evaluation of worth
- plausibilitySeeming likely true
- validityQuality of being sound
- reasonablenessQuality of being fair-minded
- credibilityQuality inspiring trust
soundness · sanity check · first impression · gut check · common sense · reality check · feasibility · vetting
Lack of firm belief
- skepticismDisposition toward doubt
- red flagIndicator of danger
- fishyArousing doubt, colloquially
- questionableOf uncertain validity
shady · dubious · wariness · mistrust · too good to be true · alarm bells · warning sign · scrutiny
smell
Olfactory perception
rancid · sour · off · stale · expiration · dairy · meat · leftovers · fridge · nose
assessment
Formal evaluation of worth
- plausibilitySeeming likely true
- validityQuality of being sound
- reasonablenessQuality of being fair-minded
credibility · soundness · sanity check · first impression · gut check · common sense · reality check · feasibility · vetting · screening
doubt
Lack of firm belief
- skepticismDisposition toward doubt
- red flagIndicator of danger
- fishyArousing doubt, colloquially
questionable · shady · dubious · wariness · mistrust · too good to be true · alarm bells · warning sign · scrutiny · side-eye
sniff testdeep dive
Comprehensive examination of topic
forensic analysis · scientific method · due diligence · peer review · statistical analysis
sniff testhard evidence
empirical evidence · proof positive · burden of proof · chain of custody · paper trail
test, scent, sniff, contest, whiff, sniffle, snuff, sniffles, sniffing