not pass the smell test

not pass the smell test

To not be or seem trustworthy, credible, authentic, or morally acceptable. Many feel that the new pro-drilling legislation doesn't pass the smell test, suspecting that Big Oil had a hand in its creation. The auditor felt that the company's financial returns didn't pass the smell test, as there were too many inconsistencies and unexplained expenditures.

See also: not, pass, smell, test

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