Pronunciation: [smˈɛld ɐ ɹˈat] (IPA) 
The phrase "smelled a rat" is an idiom used to describe a situation where someone suspects that something is not right. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /smɛld ə ræt/. The "s" sound at the beginning indicates the word is in the past tense. The "e" in "smelled" is pronounced like "eh," while the "a" in "rat" is pronounced like "ae." The word "rat" ends with the sound "t," which is indicated by the symbol "/t/".
The phrase "smelled a rat" is an idiomatic expression that is used to convey the sense of suspicion or doubt someone has regarding a situation or person. This phrase can also refer to the act of recognizing or discovering a hidden or ulterior motive behind someone's actions.
When someone implies that they have "smelled a rat," they are suggesting that they have become aware of something deceitful or dishonest in a particular circumstance. This often indicates that they have noticed inconsistencies, unusual behavior, or suspicious actions that have caused them to question the trustworthiness or integrity of someone or something involved.
The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the behavior of rats, which are known for having a keen sense of smell and a tendency to avoid situations that might pose a threat to them. Therefore, when someone says they have "smelled a rat," they are metaphorically stating that they have detected something amiss, much like a rat can sense danger.
In colloquial usage, this phrase is frequently employed in a figurative sense to express skepticism, caution, or skepticism. It is often used to indicate a feeling of unease or suspicion towards a seemingly innocent situation or individual. Overall, "smelled a rat" denotes the act of being alert, perceptive, and detecting dishonesty or suspicious activity.
