The phrase “Stinking to high heaven” immediately conjures a powerful, almost overwhelming image. It’s not merely a bad smell; it denotes an odor so profoundly offensive it transcends the ordinary, reaching a truly epic scale. This isn’t the faint whiff of something slightly off, but a full-blown olfactory assault, something that commands attention, often to the profound displeasure of anyone in its vicinity.
The vividness of the expression lies in its hyperbole. Why “high heaven”? This elevated destination isn’t just about physical height; it imbues the stench with a sense of universal awareness, as if its foulness is so immense it registers even in the most distant, ethereal realms. It speaks to a level of repugnance that is truly divine in its scale – or, more accurately, anti-divine. Historically, “heaven” has been used in many exclamations to denote ultimate extent or intensity, whether good or bad. For something to “stink to high heaven” is for it to be utterly, completely, unforgivably foul.
While often used literally to describe a genuinely terrible smell – perhaps from decaying matter, an uncleaned drain, or forgotten refuse – its power truly shines in its figurative applications. A financial scandal might be said to “stink to high heaven,” implying deep corruption and dishonesty that is glaringly obvious and undeniable. A political maneuver perceived as deeply unfair or hypocritical could also be described with this exact phrase, highlighting its inherent moral objectionable nature. In this context, the “stench” is not physical, but rather a moral or ethical one, permeating the very fabric of integrity and decency.
For those who regularly tackle a challenging
crossword clue
, understanding the multifaceted nature of such expressions is key. When you encounter a
crossword clue
that references this phrase, the challenge often lies in discerning whether the constructor intends its literal, olfactory meaning, or its more abstract, figurative sense of scandal or profound impropriety. The surrounding letters of the
crossword clue
, the number of boxes, and any accompanying wordplay are crucial indicators. A well-crafted
crossword clue
for a phrase like this can be a delightful puzzle, requiring not just vocabulary recall but also an appreciation for idiomatic English and its layered meanings.
The beauty of the English language, and consequently, the artistry in a well-constructed
crossword clue
, lies in these rich idioms. They condense complex ideas and strong emotions into concise, memorable phrases. “Stinking to high heaven” is a prime example, a phrase that evokes an immediate and visceral reaction, regardless of whether it’s a physical odor or a metaphorical moral decay. Deciphering a
crossword clue
rooted in such a phrase truly tests one’s command of the language’s nuances.
Available Answers:
FETID.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0811-25 NY Times Crossword 11 Aug 25, Monday