smell blood: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘smell blood’ mean?
The idiom "smell blood" means to detect weakness or vulnerability in someone or something, often leading to a ruthless or aggressive pursuit of advantage.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "the nose knows" means that one's sense of smell can accurately detect or recognize something, even when other senses or evidence may be lacking.
The idiom "take the bait" means to fall for a trick or deception, often by reacting exactly as the trickster desires, thus becoming trapped or manipulated.
The idiom "sweet smell of success" refers to the feeling of accomplishment or triumph, often associated with achieving one's goals or becoming successful in a particular endeavor.
The idiom "sweet smell of success" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It conveys a positive and desirable outcome, often associated with achieving personal or professional goals.
The idiom "sweat bullets" means to be extremely nervous or anxious, often causing one to perspire heavily. It conveys the idea of feeling intense pressure or stress.
Sweat bullets is an idiom that describes someone who is very nervous or anxious. It can also refer to someone who sweats profusely. The origins of this idiom are uncertain but believed to have originated in the mid-20th century in the United States.
The idiom "strike someone when they are down" means to take advantage of someone's vulnerability or weakness to further harm them or make their situation worse.
The idiom "strike someone when they are down" is a figurative expression used to describe the act of taking advantage or attacking someone who is already in a vulnerable or weakened state.
Meaning: To take time to appreciate and enjoy the small and beautiful moments in life.
The idiom "stink on ice" means something that is extremely unpleasant or undesirable. It suggests a strong, offensive odor and emphasizes the negative quality of the situation or thing being described.
The idiom "stink eye" refers to a disapproving or scornful look, often accompanied by a glare or intense gaze. It is typically used to convey strong negative emotions or to show extreme contempt or displeasure towards someone or something.
The idiom "stink a buzzard off a gut wagon" means to have an exceptionally strong and offensive odor, similar to the scent emitted by a dead or decaying animal carcass.
The idiom "stick the knife in" means to purposely say or do something to harm or betray someone, usually when they are already in a vulnerable or difficult situation.
The Hunt for Understanding
The idiom "smell blood" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It is a metaphorical expression that suggests someone senses vulnerability or weakness in another person and takes advantage of it. In the animal kingdom, predators have a keen sense of smell that allows them to detect the scent of blood from miles away. This scent signals to them that there is a wounded or injured prey nearby, making it an opportune moment to attack. Similarly, when this idiom is used in human contexts, it suggests that someone has detected an opportunity to exploit someone else's weakness or vulnerability. It is often used in sports, politics, and business to describe a situation where one party is gaining the upper hand and is likely to secure a win or advantage over their rivals. It captures the instinctual nature of human behavior, particularly in moments of competition or confrontation.
The idiom "smell a rat" is closely related to "smell blood." When someone "smells a rat," it means they suspect something is wrong or suspect someone of deceptive behavior. This idiom implies that the person who "smells a rat" is perceptive and astute enough to identify potential deceit or hidden agendas. Their heightened awareness gives them an edge in protecting themselves from potential harm or exploitation.
The idiom "smell like a rose" also relates to "smell blood." When someone "smells like a rose," it means they appear or behave in a way that suggests they are innocent or without fault. This idiom contrasts with "smell blood," as it implies that the person being described is not vulnerable or weak, but rather untouchable and invulnerable. If someone "smells like a rose," it suggests they are not susceptible to being taken advantage of or attacked.
Another related idiom is "smell of the lamp." This phrase refers to someone who has put in a lot of effort or worked diligently on something. It carries a sense of hard work and dedication. In the context of "smell blood," "smell of the lamp" could be applied to someone who has put in the hours and effort to develop a strategy or take advantage of a weakness. It suggests that the person has done their due diligence and is prepared to seize an opportunity.
Finally, "shed blood" is a related idiom that directly refers to the act of causing harm or injury to others. When someone "sheds blood," it means they have engaged in violence or taken aggressive action against someone. This idiom contrasts with "smell blood" in that it focuses on the actual act of causing harm, rather than detecting an opportunity to do so. While "smell blood" implies a strategic and calculated approach, "shed blood" suggests a more direct and forceful action.
The idiom "smell blood" reflects our understanding of human behavior and our capacity for seizing opportunities. It captures the complexities and nuances of competition, vulnerability, and exploitation. While it can be viewed as a metaphor for aggression and ruthless behavior, it also invites us to reflect on the ethical questions that arise when someone takes advantage of another's weakness. In understanding the origins and related idioms, we gain a deeper appreciation for the power and meaning behind this commonly used phrase.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "smell blood" can be used in a sentence:
- After winning the first set, the tennis player smelled blood and continued to dominate his opponent.
- The investors smelled blood when they saw the struggling company's financial reports.
- The detective could smell blood during the interrogation, indicating that the suspect was hiding something.
More "Context" idioms
