nose test

Suggesting the identification of something by how it smells.

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nose test (plural nose tests)

1. (idiomatic) An informal method for determining whether something is authentic, credible, or ethical, by using one's common sense or sense of propriety.
   • 1991 March 26, Josh Barbanel, “Access Is Money for City Hall Lobbyists”, in New York Times, retrieved 7 Feb. 2009:

     In many cases, said Henry J. Stern, the president of the Citizens Union, a civic group, and a former city Parks Commissioner, "you have to apply the nose test." "Does it smell?" he said, referring to such deals. "Is it based on a personal relationship? Does it run contrary to the city's interest?"

2. An inspection of an object using the sense of smell, as for freshness of food.
   • 1975 June 30, Bob Bender, “Safety Checklist While Boating”, in St. Petersburg Times, retrieved 7 Feb. 2009:

     Make the "nose test" sniffing for fumes, before starting engines.

3. (physiology) An inspection of the nasal passages or a trial of their function, as for breathing difficulties.
   • 2004 November 8, Helen Fields, “Rub your nose in it”, in U.S. News & World Report, retrieved 7 Feb. 2009:

     The pollen blocker cream appeared to help; after using the cream, people did better on the nose test.

• smell test

• smell a rat
• sniff test

• testones, tonesets