Meanings
Metaphor, from the idea of a livestock animal returning to its barn at the day's end (most especially, a horse towing a carriage who is on the way back home).
How to pronounce "smell the barn":
AU
To experience heightened anticipation or to act with renewed speed or energy as one approaches a destination, goal, or other desired outcome.
Example: "We'll get home right quick—old Dobbin knows the way better than you and I do, and he can smell the barn besides."
Example Sentences
1
After weeks of traveling, we could finally smell the barn and knew we were almost home.
2
In the last quarter of the game, the team could smell the barn and gave it their all.
3
As the semester comes to an end, I can smell the barn and can't wait for summer vacation.
4
After running the marathon, I could smell the barn and sprinted towards the finish line.
5
The chef prepared the final touches of the meal and could smell the barn as dinner service was about to start.
