smell like a rose

== English == === Alternative forms === come out smelling like a rose, come out smelling of roses, come up smelling like a rose, come up smelling of roses === Pronunciation === === Verb === smell like a rose (third-person singular simple present smells like a rose, present participle smelling like a rose, simple past and past participle smelt like a rose or smelled like a rose) (idiomatic, colloquial, simile) To be regarded as appealing, virtuous, or respectable; to be untainted or unharmed. ==== Usage notes ==== This expression often uses the verb smell in its present participial form (smelling). ==== See also ====