in good odor: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘in good odor’ mean?
The idiom in good odor means to be highly regarded or respected, typically referring to an individual's reputation or standing in a community or organization. It implies being esteemed and trusted by others, often resulting in favorable treatment or opportunities.
Idiom Explorer
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Uncovering Scented Connotations
The idiom "in good odor" is derived from the literal meaning of the word "odor," which refers to a distinctive smell. In this idiom, "in good odor" is used metaphorically to describe someone or something that is highly regarded, respected, or esteemed.
The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the late 19th century when "odor" was commonly used to represent reputation or public image. Being in good odor meant that someone or something was perceived favorably by others. The idiom gained popularity and became a common phrase in English language usage, particularly in formal or professional settings.
One example of this idiom in use could be in a sentence like, "After successfully solving the high-profile case, the detective was in good odor with the department." Here, the idiom conveys the idea that the detective's reputation and standing within the police department has improved as a result of their successful actions.
The idiom "in good odor" is closely related to other idioms that convey a similar meaning, such as "in bad odor," "in good graces," and "in good books." These idioms all share the underlying concept of being well-regarded or valued by others, but they each have slightly different connotations or nuances.
The idiom "in bad odor" is used to describe someone or something that is disapproved of or held in low regard by others. It is the opposite of being "in good odor." For example, if a company is involved in a scandal, they may be in bad odor with their customers and stakeholders.
The idiom "in good graces" is similar to "in good odor" and is used to describe someone who is liked, favored, or regarded positively by others. It implies being in a position of favor or trust. For instance, if an employee consistently performs well and is well-liked by their superiors, they may be in good graces with the company.
The idiom "in good books" also carries a similar meaning to "in good odor" and "in good graces." It is often used to describe someone who is favored or esteemed by others. Being "in good books" suggests that the person is highly regarded and possibly in a position of influence or power. For example, if a student consistently excels academically and is liked by their teachers, they may be in good books with the school administration.
The idiom "in good odor" and its related idioms, "in bad odor," "in good graces," and "in good books," are all valuable expressions in English language usage. They allow individuals to convey the idea of being respected, esteemed, favored, or disapproved of with brevity and precision. In various professional and social contexts, these idioms can help to effectively communicate the reputation or standing of individuals, companies, or concepts.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *in good odor* can be used in a sentence:
- After the successful completion of his project, John's reputation was *in good odor* with his boss.
- Due to his philanthropic efforts, the wealthy businessman was *in good odor* in his community.
- The politician's scandal caused him to lose favor with the public, and he was no longer *in good odor*.
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