The phrase "stinking to high heaven" is commonly used to describe something that smells extremely unpleasant. The spelling of the word stinking is relatively straightforward - /ˈstɪŋkɪŋ/ (STIHNG-king) - with the double "n" indicating a short vowel sound. The addition of "to high heaven" emphasizes the intensity of the odor. The pronunciation of High, on the other hand, is different from what one would expect. It is spelled /haɪ/ (HAI), with a long "i" sound, rather than /hi/ (HEE), as in the word "hi" in English, and the "gh" is silent.
"Stinking to high heaven" is an idiomatic expression often used to describe something that emits an extremely strong, unpleasant smell or odor. This informal phrase is typically employed to convey a sense of intensity regarding how offensive or repugnant the smell is, emphasizing its overwhelming and pervasive nature. The term "to high heaven" within this idiom suggests that the offensive odor reaches great heights or spreads widely, making it almost impossible to escape its unpleasantness.
The phrase is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. In the literal sense, it describes foul-smelling substances such as rotting garbage, decomposing animal remains, or stagnant sewage, indicating an extremely repulsive and putrid stench. Figuratively, "stinking to high heaven" can describe situations, events, or actions that possess an overwhelmingly immoral, dishonest, or unethical nature, generating widespread condemnation or disapproval. This expression underscores the notion that the unsavory situation or act is not only morally objectionable but also widely known or recognized.
Overall, "stinking to high heaven" serves as an expressive and vivid idiom, connoting the noxiousness and repellent nature of both literal smells and metaphorical situations, making it clear that something or someone is causing strong and unfavorable reactions or perceptions either through physical odor or through actions that are morally offensive.