Come up/out of something smelling of roses

Pro Tip 1/3

Use when someone retains a good reputation despite challenges.

After the debate, despite tough questions, the candidate came out smelling of roses.

Pro Tip 2/3

The phrase often implies surprise that someone avoided harm.

Although the project failed, somehow she came up smelling of roses.

Pro Tip 3/3

Roses symbolize purity and success; no actual smell or flowers are involved.

Her investment choices were risky, but she came out of it smelling of roses.