nose test

plural nose tests

1. medicineAn inspection of the nasal passages or a trial of their function, as for breathing difficulties or olfactory ability.

   Near-synonym: smell test

   1 more example

   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. Synonym of sniff test.
   1. 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

   2. figurativelyAn 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

      1 more example

      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