smell the roses

smell the roses

To enjoy the finer or more enjoyable aspects of life, especially when one has become overworked or overly stressed. Usually preceded by another verb, especially "stop" or "wake up." You can't keep working these 80 hour weeks, John! You have to stop and smell the roses, or else what is all that work even for? It's clear by the people's laid-back demeanor that this is a culture that places greater value on smelling the roses than the pursuit of money or success.

See also: rose, smell

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

smell the roses

enjoy or appreciate what is often ignored. North American informal

See also: rose, smell

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

smell the roses

To spend time in leisurely enjoyment.

See also: rose, smell

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.