smell of an oily rag: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 2.

  UKUSneutralMachine
  • To have the distinctive odor associated with an oily rag or a workshop where oil and rags are present.

  Examples

  Beta

  • The workshop smelled of an oily rag, with oil stains on the floor and the scent filling the air.

    The workshop smelled of an oily rag, with oil stains on the floor and the scent filling the air.

  • After hours of fixing the engine, his clothes smelled of an oily rag.

    After hours of fixing the engine, his clothes smelled of an oily rag.

  • Walking into the old garage, I immediately smelled of an oily rag mixed with gasoline.

    Walking into the old garage, I immediately smelled of an oily rag mixed with gasoline.

  • The mechanic's hands always smell of an oily rag after a day’s work.

    The mechanic's hands always smell of an oily rag after a day’s work.

• 1.

  UKUSAustraliainformalMachine
  • To operate or exist with very limited financial resources; to be poverty-stricken or run on meagre means.

  Examples

  Beta

  • After losing his job, Tom's finances smelled of an oily rag, forcing him to cut back on all expenses.

    After losing his job, Tom's finances smelled of an oily rag, forcing him to cut back on all expenses.

  • If we keep spending like this, the business will soon smell of an oily rag.

    If we keep spending like this, the business will soon smell of an oily rag.

  • She lived smelling of an oily rag during her college years, managing on the bare minimum.

    She lived smelling of an oily rag during her college years, managing on the bare minimum.