Michael Korovkin May 16, 2010:

You mean like smelling the rat? I don't think so. But "having a fine nose" – perhaps yes

Giuseppe Bellone May 15, 2010:

I've also found this.... the meaning is literal in this case, but perhaps it may help anyway.
feromone, profumi ai feromoni, feromoni, feromoni naturali ...
Le secrezioni ascellari contengono androstenolo (anche trovato nell'urina) e androsterone (dall'odore di tartufo), ma anche una grande quantità di acidi ...
www.profumo.it/.../feromone.../feromoni_umani.asp - Copia cache - Simili
Nothing to do with money here!

Giuseppe Bellone May 15, 2010:

I think it must be... money in my opinion. Probably from your wider context you can understand if it's so. :) But I've never seen/heard this expression in Italian before.

simona dachille (asker) May 15, 2010:

context: The story of an animal-rights activists and his fight against multi-national cosmetic companies. This phrase is used by a police inspector as they investigate the motive for arson attacks on cosmetic shop. Maybe it is about money after all...

Giuseppe Bellone May 15, 2010:

Could it be... "... the smell of money" ?

Monia Di Martino May 15, 2010:

Ok Simona but without a context it is difficult to understand what you need this expression for.

simona dachille (asker) May 15, 2010:

Thanks I think I will translate it as "I smell trouble".

luskie May 15, 2010:

sono d'accordo con monia, neanche io l'ho mai sentito usato per dire altro che non quel che dice (forse era una domanda it>it più che it>en?)

Monia Di Martino May 14, 2010:

Che io sappia "sentire odore di tartufo" non ha senso di presagire problemi. Per questo di solito si dice "sento puzza di....".