être en odeur de sainteté

French

Etymology

Probably from mourir en odeur de sainteté, from the fact that certain saints were said to emit a good smell after their death; compare English odour of sanctity.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɛtʁ ɑ̃.n‿ɔ.dœʁ də sɛ̃t.te/

Verb

être en odeur de sainteté

1. (figuratively) to be esteemed, to be popular, to be thought highly of; to be in favour with someone, to be in someone's good books

Usage notes

Often construed with auprès or parmi.

See also

• avoir le vent en poupe