Phrase guide

smell the barn

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˌsmɛl ðə ˈbaːn/
  • General-American: /ˌsmɛl ðə ˈbaɹn/
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -ɑː(ɹ)n

1

verb

Meaning 1

To act with renewed energy or speed or to experience heightened anticipation as one approaches a destination, goal, or other desired outcome.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, idiomatic, intransitive

Examples

  • We’ll get home right quick—old Dobbin knows the way better than you and I do, and he can smell the barn besides.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

A reference to a livestock animal returning to its barn at the end of the day, especially a horse drawing a carriage which is on the way back home.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: de stal ruiken — to act with renewed energy or speed or to experience heightened anticipation as one approaches a destination, goal, or other desired outcome
  • Finnish: saada tuulta purjeisiin — to act with renewed energy or speed or to experience heightened anticipation as one approaches a destination, goal, or other desired outcome