The phrase "smelled to high heaven" means something smells very bad, strong and unpleasant. It is often used to describe foul-smelling odors that are overwhelming. The pronunciation of "smelled" is /smɛld/, while "to" is pronounced as /tu/. The adjective "high" sounds like /haɪ/ and "heaven" is pronounced as /ˈhɛvən/. The spelling of the word "smelled to high heaven" is straightforward, but its meaning is vivid and easy to understand. It is a common expression in English that is often used in everyday conversations.
"Smelled to high heaven" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a strong or intense, often unpleasant, odor or scent. This informal phrase refers to a situation or thing that emits a foul smell that can be easily noticed or detected by one's olfactory senses. It conveys a sense of extreme offensiveness or a particularly pungent aroma that is impossible to ignore or overlook.
The term "smelled" emphasizes the sense of olfaction or the act of perceiving a scent through the nose. "To high heaven" serves as an intensifier, suggesting that the smell is not only strong, but that it also reaches great heights or distances, metaphorically invoking a smell that is pervasive and overwhelming, as if it fills the entire environment or cannot be escaped.
This phrase is often used informally in colloquial speech and writing, typically to express a strong negative opinion about something. It can be employed in various contexts, such as describing a foul stench from rotten food, decaying organic matter, overly pungent chemicals, or an unpleasant bodily odor. Metaphorically, it can also be used to describe suspicious or morally offensive situations, such as corrupt behavior or deceitful activities that metaphorically emit an intolerable stench. Overall, "smelled to high heaven" illustrates a powerful and memorable way to emphasize a highly unpleasant smell or an extremely objectionable situation.