smell a rat
To sense something suspicious.
Oh, Are you thereabouts, Sir; then I ſmell a Rat Ifaith; but I'll ſay nothing.
rat
UK /ɹæt/ US /ɹæt/
noun 13verb 8name 1
Definitions
noun
1
Any of the numerous members of several rodent families that usually have short limbs, a pointy snout, a long, hairless tail, and a body length greater than about 12 cm, or 5 inches.
2
A medium-sized rodent belonging to the genus Rattus.
Similar studies of rats have employed four different intracranial resorbable, slow sustained release systems—surgical foam, a thermal gel depot, a microcapsule or biodegradable polymer beads.
3
A person who is known for betrayal.
Near-synonyms: rouge, scoundrel, snake; see also Thesaurus:villain
rat bastard
4
An informant or snitch.
5
A scab: a worker who acts against trade union policies.
verb
1
To hunt or kill rats.
2
To betray a political party, cause or principle; to betray someone, to desert a person or thing.
3
To work as a scab, going against trade union policies.
4
To backcomb (hair).
In 1962, the higher a girl's hair was ratted the more available she was, it was simply understood.
5
To inform on someone; to betray someone to the police or authorities.
He ratted on his coworker.
He is going to rat us out!
noun
1
A scratch or a score.
2
A place in the sea with rapid currents and crags where a ship is likely to be torn apart in stormy weather.
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