reek of
/riːk ʌv/
Meaning
Literally, 'reek of' means to smell very strongly of something unpleasant, like sweat, smoke, or garbage. Figuratively, it is used to describe a situation, action, or person that strongly suggests a negative quality, such as dishonesty, desperation, or greed. It carries a highly critical or disapproving tone.
Examples
-
His clothes reek of cheap cologne and stale cigarette smoke.
His clothes reek of cheap cologne and stale cigarette smoke.
-
The whole business deal reeks of corruption, so I decided to back out.
The whole business deal reeks of corruption, so I decided to back out.
-
She tried to act casual, but her constant texts reek of desperation.
She tried to act casual, but her constant texts reek of desperation.
-
After working in the hot kitchen all day, we both reeked of garlic and grease.
After working in the hot kitchen all day, we both reeked of garlic and grease.
-
That new marketing campaign reeks of a company trying too hard to be trendy.
That new marketing campaign reeks of a company trying too hard to be trendy.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ The room was reeking from smoke.
✓ The room was reeking of smoke.
The preposition 'of' is almost always used with 'reek'. Avoid using 'from' or 'with' in this context.
-
✗ She reeks of beautiful roses.
✓ She smells of beautiful roses.
'Reek' has an inherently negative connotation. It should only be used for foul odors or negative traits, not pleasant smells.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
The basement has been closed up all winter and ___ mold.
💡 smells strongly of
Show answer
reeks of
-
I wouldn't trust their offer; the whole setup ___ a scam.
💡 strongly suggests something dishonest
Show answer
reeks of