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smack of

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smack of something

to be reminiscent of something; to imply something. The whole scheme smacked of dishonesty and deception. All of this story smacks of illegal practices.

See also: of, smack

smack of something

to have some of the characteristics or qualities of something The book smacks of having been written by a committee rather than an author with a point of view.

Usage notes: often said about a negative characteristic or quality, as in the example

See also: of, smack

smack of

v.

1. To have the distinctive flavor or taste of something: The soup smacks of garlic.

2. To give an indication of something; be suggestive of something: The city's reluctance to investigate the murder smacked of corruption.

See also: of, smack