smell of the lamp: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  British EnglishHistoricalliteraryarchaicMachine
  • To show the marks or habits of prolonged study; to appear bookish or scholarly as a result of sustained reading or academic work.
  • To have the temperament or outward characteristics of an academic or intellectual, often implying a lack of practical experience.

  Examples

  Beta

  • After weeks of preparation, the student’s essay smelled of the lamp, reflecting countless hours of research.

    After weeks of preparation, the student’s essay smelled of the lamp, reflecting countless hours of research.

  • You can tell his work smells of the lamp; every detail shows deep study and care.

    You can tell his work smells of the lamp; every detail shows deep study and care.

  • Her eyes were tired but her thesis smelled of the lamp, proof of her dedication.

    Her eyes were tired but her thesis smelled of the lamp, proof of her dedication.