The phrase "smelt to high heaven" means that something has a very strong and unpleasant odor. The word 'smelt' is pronounced as /smɛlt/, with the 's' being pronounced like the 's' in 'sit' and 't' being pronounced like the 't' in 'top'. The phrase 'to high heaven' is pronounced as /tuː haɪ ˈhɛvən/, with the 'h' being silent and the 'ea' being pronounced like the 'ee' in 'meet'. The spelling of the word is straightforward, with each of the letters being pronounced as they are written.
"Smelt to high heaven" is an idiomatic expression commonly used to describe a powerful and unpleasant odor or stench. This phrase is generally employed when referring to a smell that is extremely strong and offensive, often overwhelming the senses. The word "smelt" in this context refers to the action of perceiving or detecting an smell, while "high heaven" symbolizes an idea of a heightened or overwhelming presence.
The phrase "to high heaven" is derived from the metaphorical concept that strong or offensive smells can reach great heights, breaking boundaries and permeating the air around them. The addition of "smelt" enhances the sensory perception, emphasizing the act of perceiving an unbearable smell that is impossible to ignore.
The expression "smelt to high heaven" is commonly used in informal conversations, literature, and colloquial contexts to convey a strong emphasis on the intensity and repulsiveness of an odor. It is most typically utilized when describing extremely unpleasant smells like rotting garbage, sewage, spoiled food, or decaying matter. It evokes a vivid and dramatic image to emphasize the severity and extent of the foul smell, leaving no doubt about the overwhelmingly disgusting nature of the odor being described.