The smoking gun Meaning in English
expression
Definition
'The smoking gun' means clear and undeniable proof that shows someone is guilty or something is true, especially in an investigation or crime.
Usage & Nuances
This idiom is informal and common in news, legal, and investigative contexts. It's often used for evidence that directly links someone to wrongdoing. Don't use it literally—it's only figurative in modern English.
Example Sentences
The police found the smoking gun in the suspect's car.
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The email was the smoking gun in the investigation.
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They still haven't found the smoking gun to prove he's guilty.
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That document was basically the smoking gun everyone was waiting for.
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Journalists spent months searching for the smoking gun that would break the story wide open.
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It looks bad, but unless we find the smoking gun, we can’t accuse anyone yet.
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