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Smell of the Shop

What Does "Smell of the Shop" Mean?

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"Smell of the shop" is an English idiom. It is used to describe someone who has a strong or distinctive odor, often associated with their occupation or surroundings.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "smell of the shop" used in a sentence:
  • After a long day working in the bakery, he came home smelling of the shop, with the sweet scent of fresh bread clinging to his clothes.
  • The mechanic often smelled of the shop, a blend of grease and oil that followed him wherever he went.
  • Her job in the flower shop left her smelling of the shop's lovely floral fragrances.
meaning for smell of the shop

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Smell of the Shop" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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