smell like a rose
To seem or appear innocent, especially in the face of a scandal or of other negative situation. Often used in the phrase "come out/up smelling like a rose." By reporting his colleagues as soon as he learned of their dishonest business practices, the CEO came up smelling like a rose. I can't understand how she came out of this smelling like a rose, when she was the one who started it all!
smell like a rose
Fig. to seem innocent. I came out of the whole mess smelling like a rose, even though I caused all the trouble. The politician survived the scandal smelling like a rose, but I knew different.
smell like a rose
in. to seem innocent. I came out of the whole mess smelling like a rose, even though I caused all the trouble.