Explore the meaning, origins, and cultural significance of the phrase 'to come up smelling like roses,' a metaphor for emerging untarnished from difficult situations.
To “come up smelling like roses” is a phrase used to describe a situation in which an individual emerges unscathed or untarnished from a potentially damaging or sordid situation. It suggests an outcome where one’s reputation or integrity remains intact despite adverse circumstances.
The phrase “come up smelling like roses” is believed to have originated in the United States in the early twentieth century. A fuller and more vivid version of the saying is noted by Eric Partridge: “could fall into the shit and come up smelling of roses.” This expression metaphorically contrasts the unpleasantness of a situation with the pleasing scent of roses, highlighting the improbability of such a positive outcome. The phrase has been used in various forms, sometimes shortened to “come up like roses,” as exemplified in Mary McGrory’s 1990 commentary in the Boston Globe.
Semantically, the phrase conveys a sense of resilience and fortuitousness. It implies that the individual not only survives a challenging situation but also maintains or enhances their standing or reputation. The phrase carries connotations of both luck and skill, suggesting that the individual either adeptly navigated the situation or benefitted from favorable circumstances beyond their control.
The phrase is frequently employed in both journalistic and colloquial contexts to describe political figures, celebrities, or business leaders who manage to retain public favor despite controversies or scandals. For instance, it was used to describe the political resurgence of George Bush in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The metaphor is also prevalent in literature and film, often used to highlight a character’s unexpected triumph over adversity.
In professional contexts, the phrase may be used to describe a business or individual that navigates a crisis effectively, preserving their reputation. In social settings, it can refer to someone who remains in good standing despite personal conflicts or misunderstandings. In literary contexts, it may be employed to illustrate a character’s resilience or good fortune.
The phrase “come up smelling like roses” remains relevant in contemporary discourse, frequently used in media and casual conversation to describe individuals or entities that overcome adversity with their reputations intact. Its vivid imagery and metaphorical richness contribute to its enduring appeal. Durability: ★★★★☆
“It’s the second spring of George Bush’s ‘Don’t worry, be happy’ presidency, and everything continues to come up roses for the politician who two years ago was a symbol of hopelessness.” - Mary McGrory, Boston Globe (1990)