nose test

Noun

nose test (plural nose tests)

1. An inspection of the nasal passages or a trial of their function, as for breathing difficulties or olfactory ability.
   • Near-synonym: smell test
   • The pollen blocker cream appeared to help; after using the cream, people did better on the nose test.2004 November 8, Helen Fields, “Rub your nose in it”, in U.S. News & World Report, archived from the original on 29 Aug 2008

   Synonyms:

   smell test

2. An inspection of an object by smelling it, as for cleanliness of clothing or freshness of food.
   • Make the "nose test" sniffing for fumes, before starting engines.1975 June 30, Bob Bender, “Safety Checklist While Boating”, in St. Petersburg Times, retrieved 07 Feb 2009

   Synonyms:

   smell test

3. (figuratively) An informal check of whether an idea or proposal is credible, ethical, etc., using one's common sense or sense of propriety.
   • Near-synonyms: reality check; sanity check, sanity test
   • In many cases, said Henry J. Stern, the president of the Citizens Union, a civic group, and a former city Parks Commissioner, "you have to apply the nose test." "Does it smell?" he said, referring to such deals. "Is it based on a personal relationship? Does it run contrary to the city's interest?"1991 March 26, Josh Barbanel, “Access is money for City Hall lobbyists”, in The New York Times, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, retrieved 7 Feburary 2009

   Synonyms:

   reality check, sanity check, sanity test