smell test

noun4

1. •
   An assessment of a subject's ability to detect and distinguish odors.
2. •
   An inspection of an object by smelling it, as for cleanliness of clothing or freshness of food.

   • I give the smell test to many foods when I shop. — 2006
3. •
   (figurative) An informal check of whether an idea or proposal is credible, ethical, etc., using one's common sense or sense of propriety.

   • It just doesn't pass the smell test. It just creates too many opportunities for cutting corners, doing unethical things and basically not telling the truth. — 1994
4. •
   Synonym of sniff test.