In this English idiom and phrase question, select the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "smell a rat".

Introduction / Context:

This question tests your knowledge of idiomatic expressions in English. The phrase "smell a rat" is an idiom, meaning that its overall sense cannot be understood by literally interpreting the individual words. Many exams include idioms because they reveal how well candidates understand natural, everyday language. To answer correctly, you must recall what feelings or situation this expression describes in real life communication.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The idiom given is "smell a rat".
• You must choose the option that explains what this idiom means in simple English.
• The options present different possible interpretations: sensing unfair events, suspecting trickery, being warned of danger, or preventing calamity.
• The idiom is used mainly in informal and semi formal contexts to describe suspicion that something dishonest is happening.

Concept / Approach:

In English, "to smell a rat" means to suspect that something is wrong, dishonest, or deceptive, even if there is no clear proof yet. The image suggests that, like a bad smell, something feels off and suspicious. The focus is on suspicion of trickery or fraud, not necessarily on danger or misfortune in general. When choosing an explanation for an idiom, look for the option that matches this emotional shade and usual context, rather than one that only partially overlaps in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Insert the idiom into an example sentence: "When he offered to handle all the paperwork himself, I smelled a rat." This sentence implies that the speaker suspected something dishonest, not simply a bad outcome or danger. Replacing "smelled a rat" with "began to suspect trickery" preserves the meaning almost exactly. If you insert option A, it becomes something like "I sensed that events would not be in my favour", which does not necessarily involve deceit. Options C and D move even further away from the idea of dishonesty. The alignment between the idiom and option B in examples confirms that B is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option A focuses on outcomes being unfavourable, which could happen even when everyone is honest. Option C refers to being warned of danger but says nothing about fraud or trickery, which are central to the idiom. Option D talks about preventing calamity by chance, which is completely different from feeling suspicious. None of these capture the specific idea of suspecting that someone is cheating or lying.

Common Pitfalls:

Some learners confuse "smell a rat" with general intuition about bad events or danger. Because the image of a rat can be associated with filth and risk, they may link it to physical danger rather than dishonesty. A good way to remember the meaning is to associate rats with sneaky behaviour and hidden problems, just as a scam or fraud is hidden beneath a friendly surface.

Final Answer:

The idiom "smell a rat" means to begin to suspect trickery or deception.