What does “Money has no smell.” mean?
"Money has no smell" means that the value of money is not dependent on its source or how it was acquired. It suggests that money is a neutral object, and that people are often willing to overlook the ethics of its acquisition in order to obtain it.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Some people are willing to do anything for money, even if it means engaging in unethical activities. Money has no smell.
Example
In the pursuit of wealth, people often turn a blind eye to the questionable origins of their money. Money has no smell.
Example
No matter how money is obtained, it is still considered valuable and can be used for various purposes. *Money has no smell.
Is “Money has no smell.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Money has no smell.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Money has no smell.” effectively in context?
You can use "Money has no smell" to emphasize that the value of money is not dependent on its source or how it was acquired. It suggests that money is a neutral object, and that people are often willing to overlook the ethics of its acquisition in order to obtain it. For example, if someone questions the morality of a business deal, you might say, 'Well, you know what they say, money has no smell.'
- 1Ethics and Morality
Some people are willing to do anything for money, even if it means engaging in unethical activities. Money has no smell.
- 2Wealth and Ambition
In the pursuit of wealth, people often turn a blind eye to the questionable origins of their money. Money has no smell.
- 3Value and Usage
No matter how money is obtained, it is still considered valuable and can be used for various purposes. Money has no smell.
Similar phrases to “Money has no smell.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Money has no smell.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Money has no smell" is unknown.
Is “Money has no smell.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Money has no smell" is a well-known proverb that is occasionally used in everyday conversation. While it may not be as common as some other proverbs, it is still recognized and understood by many English speakers.
What tone does “Money has no smell.” have?
"Money has no smell" conveys a tone of cynicism and criticism. It highlights the idea that people are often willing to compromise their values for the sake of money.
Can “Money has no smell.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Money has no smell" is relatively informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations rather than formal settings. It is suitable for discussions among friends, family, or colleagues, but may not be appropriate for professional or academic contexts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Despite the questionable origins of his wealth, he still believes that money has no smell.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Money has no smell' to imply that the source of money doesn't matter.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- money is money
- cash is cash
- dollars are dollars
- wealth has no odor
- riches have no scent
Antonyms
- ill-gotten gains
- dirty money
- blood money
- tainted wealth
- stolen riches
